Mehbooba Mufti: Amarnath Yatra can counter hate, build trust

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has called upon the people of Kashmir to leverage the upcoming Amarnath Yatra as an opportunity to counter prevailing narratives of hate and mistrust surrounding the region and its Muslim population.

Speaking in Pahalgam, a key base camp for the pilgrimage, Mufti urged locals to extend a warm welcome to every pilgrim, emphasizing that their positive experiences would serve as authentic accounts of Kashmir's hospitality, humanity, and spirit of coexistence. She stated that pilgrims act as ambassadors, carrying the true story of Kashmir back to other parts of India, thereby challenging misinformation and prejudice.

Mufti underscored that the responsibility for safeguarding the Yatra extends beyond security forces to the collective duty of the people. She advocated for a peaceful, people-led initiative to ensure pilgrims feel welcomed, respected, and protected, viewing each successful Yatra as a victory for harmony over hate.

The 57-day pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave shrine is set to commence on July 3, utilizing the Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag and the Baltal route in Ganderbal.