Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, June 15

People’s Democratic Party President Mehbooba Mufti on Monday called on Kashmiris to use the upcoming Amarnath Yatra as an opportunity to strengthen ties with people across India, saying tourism and pilgrimage could help counter mistrust and deepen human connections.

Addressing party workers and local stakeholders in Pahalgam, one of the principal base camps for the annual pilgrimage, Mufti said Jammu and Kashmir was facing a challenging period and that rebuilding trust with the rest of the country was essential.

“It is not possible for Kashmiris to come out of this unless and until their hearts meet with the rest of the country,” she said.

Mufti said she had previously urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to seek an all-party meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss issues affecting the people of Jammu and Kashmir but had received no response.

She argued that Kashmiris should not wait for political engagement from New Delhi and should instead directly engage with visitors through tourism and the Amarnath pilgrimage.

“Even if the Government of India doesn’t talk to us, we need to talk to the people of our country,” she said.

Describing every pilgrim as a guest of Kashmir, Mufti urged residents to ensure visitors leave with positive impressions of the Valley’s hospitality and culture.

“In an atmosphere of increasing polarisation and mistrust, the yatra offers an opportunity to build bridges, strengthen human connections and promote mutual understanding,” she said.

The annual Amarnath Yatra is scheduled to begin next month amid extensive security and logistical preparations by authorities.