Amarnath Yatra an Opportunity to ‘Defeat Hate, Mistrust’: Mehbooba Mufti
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti on Monday stated that the Amarnath Yatra presents an opportunity to “defeat the hate and mistrust” that has been propagated about Kashmir across India. Speaking at an event in South Kashmir, Mufti emphasized that safeguarding the pilgrimage is not solely the responsibility of security agencies but a collective duty of all citizens.
Call for a Peaceful People’s Initiative
Mufti urged the people of Kashmir to launch a “peaceful people’s initiative” to ensure that every pilgrim (yatri) feels welcomed, respected, and protected. She 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.”
Yatra as a Statement of Coexistence
She described the Amarnath Yatra as more than a pilgrimage, calling it “a statement of coexistence.” The annual pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir is scheduled to commence on July 3 and will conclude after 57 days on August 28 this year. Pilgrims will use two routes: the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam track in Anantnag district and the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district.
Emphasis on Unity and Harmony
Mufti’s remarks underscore the importance of religious harmony and the role of ordinary citizens in projecting Kashmir’s true image. The yatra is seen as a symbol of unity in diversity, offering a platform to counter negative narratives and foster mutual understanding. #AmarnathYatra #Kashmir #Pilgrimage #HinduYatra #SpiritualJourney #IndiaNews #ReligiousHarmony #Peace #Faith #JammuAndKashmir #Yatra2026 #BreakingNews #IncredibleIndia #TourismIndia #Unity
