People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti has said that the annual Amarnath Yatra can become an opportunity to reduce hatred and misinformation against Muslims in India if handled with care and mutual respect.
Speaking during interactions in Pahalgam with hotel owners, pony operators, taxi drivers, and local residents, she urged Kashmiris to ensure that pilgrims visiting the valley return with positive memories of the region and its people.
“Every Pilgrim is a Guest and Ambassador”
Mehbooba Mufti said every devotee visiting Jammu and Kashmir should be treated as a guest and also as an ambassador of Kashmir who carries stories of the region across the country.
She said, “Every Amarnath pilgrim who comes here is our guest. They take the story of our land, our people, and our traditions to every corner of India. It is our responsibility that they return with memories of love, warmth, and hospitality.”
She added that such interactions play an important role in improving relations between communities and correcting negative perceptions.
“Yatra Can Be a Bridge, Not a Divide”
Mufti emphasized that the pilgrimage should not be seen only as a security responsibility but also as a shared social responsibility of the people of Kashmir.
“The security of the yatra is not just the responsibility of security forces, it is the collective duty of the people of Kashmir,” she said. “In times of rising hate and division, this yatra should become a bridge for brotherhood and human connection.”
She added that the pilgrimage offers an opportunity to strengthen India’s plural traditions and reduce social distance between communities.
“Kashmir’s Hospitality Can Counter Misinformation”
The PDP chief said that misconceptions about Kashmir and Muslims can be countered not through political speeches but through direct human interaction and hospitality.
She said, “Misunderstandings and prejudice against Kashmir and Muslims can best be addressed through genuine human connection and by welcoming every pilgrim from the heart.”
According to her, pilgrims who return from the valley often become witnesses to Kashmir’s culture of hospitality and coexistence, helping change narratives in their own communities.
Appeal for Local Participation
Mehbooba Mufti also called for greater local involvement in the management and support of the pilgrimage. She said the yatra should reflect the “true spirit of Kashmir” and be guided and supported by local communities.
She stressed that meaningful engagement between visitors and residents can strengthen trust and reduce long-standing misunderstandings.
Amarnath Yatra Schedule
The annual Amarnath Yatra, which attracts thousands of devotees from across India and is considered one of the largest religious pilgrimages in the Himalayan region, will begin on July 3 and conclude on August 29 on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan.
