What do teachers know about tourism registration? Iltija Mufti questions suspension in Amarnath Yatra case

Srinagar: Political leaders have reacted to the suspension of four teachers and the recommendation for registration of an FIR over alleged irregularities in the Amarnath Yatra registration process at Transit Camp Manigam in Ganderbal.

National Conference MLA from Gulmarg, Farooq Ahmad Shah, defended the action, saying accountability was necessary if negligence had occurred.

“It was their responsibility to perform their duties. If action has been taken because of their negligence, then it is fair,” Shah said.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti, however, questioned the decision to assign teachers to Yatra registration duties in the first place.

“What do teachers know about tourism registration? Why would they be assigned something they have no knowledge or experience of? Are they scapegoats?” she said.

She also raised concerns over the emphasis on high Yatra registration numbers.

“Why was there such a big PR bonanza on Yatri numbers? Did it occur to anyone such a massive registration would affect logistics and preservation of the cave itself?” Mufti asked.

The reactions come after the Chief Education Officer (CEO), Ganderbal, suspended four teachers — Bilal Ahmad Sheikh, Aabid Mohi-ud-Din Bhat, Peer Mudasir and Gowhar Rashid Kullu — with immediate effect following recommendations by the Nodal Officer, Transit Camp Manigam.

According to official communications, the Nodal Officer alleged a mismatch between the actual number of registrations and the entries made on a fee registration form generated in the name of one of the teachers.

The communication further stated that the involvement of the other three teachers could not be ruled out, as they were present at the registration camp on the day of the incident.

The Nodal Officer has also written to the Senior Superintendent of Police, Ganderbal, seeking registration of an FIR and a thorough investigation into the alleged irregularities.