Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and People’s Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti on Monday stated that the Amarnath Yatra presents an opportunity to defeat the hate and mistrust that has been spread about Kashmir across India.
Mehbooba Mufti's Call for Collective Responsibility
During an event in South Kashmir, Mufti emphasized that safeguarding the yatra is not solely the responsibility of security agencies but a collective duty of the people. She called upon the residents of Kashmir to initiate a peaceful people’s movement to ensure every pilgrim feels welcomed, respected, and protected.
Mufti remarked, “If every yatri leaves with a positive experience, they will carry the true story of Kashmir to every corner of India — a story of warmth, humanity, coexistence and the enduring spirit of our people.”
Amarnath Yatra as a Statement of Coexistence
She further described the Amarnath Yatra as more than a pilgrimage, calling it 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,” she said, adding that every successful yatra is a triumph of harmony over hate.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognizance of alleged incidents of harassment, discrimination, and attacks on Kashmiri shawl sellers and students in different parts of the country.
Yatra Schedule and Routes
The annual pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir will commence on July 3 and conclude after 57 days on August 28 this year. The pilgrimage will proceed via two routes: the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the 14-km shorter but steeper Baltal route in Ganderbal district.
