Key Facts
PDP president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday (June 15, 2026) appealed to locals in Pahalgam to warmly welcome Amarnath Yatra pilgrims. She emphasized that the annual pilgrimage, starting July 3, offers a chance to counter the hate and mistrust spread about Kashmir across India.
Details of the Appeal
Addressing a gathering in south Kashmir’s Pahalgam, Ms. Mufti called for a Mahatma Gandhi-like satyagraha. She stated, “Kashmir remains a problem in the shadows because of fear of guns, batons and frequent raids (of security agencies). However, instead of stones and guns, satyagraha-style is the need of the hour. We need to treat pilgrims like family members and ensure they become ambassadors of Kashmir and press for a dialogue.”
She urged locals to educate pilgrims about the importance of dialogue on Kashmir and to fight hate politics with warmth. “The Amarnath Yatra is our opportunity to defeat the hate and mistrust that has been spread about Kashmir across India. Safeguarding the Yatra is not merely the responsibility of security agencies, it is our collective duty,” she said.
Impact on Pilgrims and Kashmir’s Image
Ms. Mufti stressed that a positive experience for every Yatri would help carry the true story of Kashmir to every corner of India. “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,” she added.
Political Context
Referring to alleged hate crimes against Kashmiri students and shawl vendors in mainland India, Ms. Mufti said the yatra is a chance to rebuild trust. She also revealed that she wrote an open letter to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah proposing an all-party meeting to persuade the Prime Minister and Home Minister to engage in dialogue with J&K political parties. “Omar Sahib rejected the idea. He did not even respond to my letter. I want people to take this initiative. Even if the Government of India does not talk to them, they should engage with the people of the country,” she said.
What Readers Should Know
- The Amarnath Yatra begins July 3 from Pahalgam.
- Mehbooba Mufti’s call for hospitality aims to counter negative perceptions about Kashmir.
- She advocates a people-driven initiative for dialogue, independent of government response.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Mehbooba Mufti say about the Amarnath Yatra?
She urged locals to warmly welcome pilgrims and treat them like family, using the yatra as an opportunity to counter hate and promote dialogue on Kashmir.
What is the satyagraha-style approach mentioned by Mehbooba Mufti?
She called for non-violent resistance akin to Mahatma Gandhi's satyagraha, replacing stones and guns with hospitality and dialogue.
Why did Mehbooba Mufti criticize Omar Abdullah?
She said Omar Abdullah rejected her proposal for an all-party meeting to engage the central government in dialogue, and did not respond to her letter.
Source: www.thehindu.com