Says Safeguarding Yatra Collective Duty, Not Security Agencies Alone
Srinagar, June 15: Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti on Monday said the annual Amarnath Yatra presents an opportunity for Kashmiris to counter hatred and misinformation by extending warmth, hospitality and compassion to pilgrims visiting the Valley.
Speaking at Pahalgam, Mehbooba said every Amarnath pilgrim is a guest of Kashmir and carries back stories of the region, its people and its values to different parts of the country.
“Every Amarnath pilgrim who visits us is a guest of Kashmir. They carry the story of our land, our people and our values to every corner of India. It is our responsibility to ensure they leave with memories of our love, warmth and hospitality. This is how we defend the soul of Kashmir and counter the false narratives built against Muslims,” she said.
She said safeguarding the Amarnath Yatra is not merely the responsibility of security agencies but a collective duty of the people of Kashmir.
“In times of growing hate and polarisation, the Yatra should become an opportunity to build harmony, strengthen human connections and bridge divides across India,” she said.
The PDP chief said yatris act as ambassadors who share their experiences of Kashmir with their families and communities after returning home. “Every interaction is an opportunity to showcase Kashmir’s traditions of hospitality, compassion and coexistence,” she said.
Mehbooba further said misinformation and prejudice against Kashmir and Muslims can best be challenged through genuine human outreach and a heartfelt welcome to every pilgrim visiting the Valley.
She added that the Yatra should be a locally protected, locally supported and locally owned process that reflects the true spirit of Kashmir and its people.
