Pahalgam: PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Monday called upon the people of Kashmir to treat Amarnath pilgrims as guests and ambassadors of the Valley, saying the annual pilgrimage offers an opportunity to counter misinformation and strengthen bonds across communities.
Speaking in Pahalgam, a key base camp for the Yatra, Mehbooba said every pilgrim visiting Jammu and Kashmir carries the story of the region and its people to different parts of the country. She urged Kashmiris to ensure that devotees return home with positive memories of the Valley’s hospitality and warmth.
She said the way pilgrims are welcomed can help challenge negative perceptions and foster greater understanding among people from different regions.
“Every 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,” she said.
The former Chief Minister emphasized that safeguarding the Amarnath Yatra should not be viewed solely as a security responsibility but as a collective social duty shared by the people of Kashmir.
Highlighting the importance of people-to-people interaction, Mehbooba said the pilgrimage provides a platform to promote harmony, strengthen human connections, and showcase Kashmir’s long-standing traditions of coexistence.
She noted that pilgrims who visit the Valley often become firsthand witnesses to its culture and hospitality, making every interaction meaningful in addressing prejudice and misinformation.
Calling for greater public participation, Mehbooba said the Yatra should be a locally supported and protected initiative that reflects the true spirit and values of Kashmir.
The annual Amarnath Yatra attracts thousands of devotees from across the country and remains one of the largest religious pilgrimages in the Himalayan region.
Mehbooba Urges Warm Welcome for Amarnath Pilgrims
