Mehbooba Mufti urges Kashmiris to welcome Amarnath pilgrims, calls Yatra an opportunity to foster harmony

Pahalgam, June 15: Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti on Monday called upon the people of Kashmir to extend a warm welcome to Amarnath pilgrims, describing the annual pilgrimage as an opportunity to counter prejudice, strengthen communal harmony, and showcase Kashmir’s traditions of hospitality and coexistence.

Addressing people in Pahalgam ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra, Mufti said every pilgrim visiting Kashmir was a guest of the region and would carry back stories about its people, culture, and values to different parts of India.

“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.

Mufti stressed that safeguarding the Yatra should not be viewed solely as the responsibility of security agencies. Instead, she said, it should be regarded as a collective duty of the people of Kashmir.

She noted that at a time when hate and polarisation were growing in various parts of the country, the Yatra offered a unique opportunity to build bridges, strengthen human connections, and promote mutual understanding.

According to Mufti, pilgrims act as ambassadors who take their experiences of Kashmir back to their homes and communities across India. Every interaction with visitors, she said, provides an opportunity to demonstrate Kashmir’s traditions of compassion, hospitality, and peaceful coexistence.

She further argued that misinformation and prejudice directed against Kashmir and Muslims could be effectively challenged through direct human engagement and by extending a heartfelt welcome to pilgrims.

Calling for greater local participation in the pilgrimage, Mufti said the Amarnath Yatra should be a “locally protected, locally supported, and locally owned” process that reflects the true spirit of Kashmir and its people.

The annual Amarnath Yatra attracts thousands of pilgrims from across the country and is considered one of the most significant religious pilgrimages in India.