Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti on Monday said the Amarnath Yatra is an opportunity to “defeat the hate and mistrust” that has been spread about Kashmir across India.
Addressing an event in south Kashmir’s Pahalgam, the former chief minister said the yatra is “our opportunity to end hate across India. Safeguarding it is our duty, not merely the responsibility of security forces.”
She said every Amarnath pilgrim who visits Kashmir is “a guest of the Valley.”
“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 said protecting the Yatra is not just the responsibility of the security forces 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.
Mufti also said yatris are ambassadors who carry their experience of Kashmir back to their homes and communities.
“Every interaction is an opportunity to showcase Kashmir’s traditions of hospitality, compassion and coexistence. The misinformation and prejudice directed against Kashmir and Muslims can best be challenged through genuine human outreach and a heartfelt welcome to every pilgrim,” she said.
She added, “The yatra should be a locally protected, locally supported and locally owned process that reflects the true spirit of Kashmir and its people.”
The annual pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir will commence on July 3 and conclude on August 28 after 57 days.
The former chief minister said the Amarnath Yatra is more than a pilgrimage; “it is a statement of coexistence.”
“As it begins, Pahalgam welcomes yatris not just with security but with warmth. Every devotee walking this sacred path carries forward the message of compassion, coexistence and resilience. Every successful yatra is a triumph of harmony over hate,” she said.
