Amarnath Yatra opportunity to showcase Kashmir’s hospitality, values: Mehbooba

Sonamarg, Jun 18: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti said the annual Shri Amarnath Yatra presents an important opportunity for the people of Kashmir to connect with visitors from across the country and demonstrate the Valley’s traditions of hospitality, compassion and coexistence.
Addressing people in Sonamarg ahead of the pilgrimage, Mehbooba said the arrival of thousands of devotees from different parts of India offers a unique occasion to foster understanding and strengthen bonds between communities.
“The Yatra is an opportunity for us to connect with people from across India. Our hospitality, kindness and compassion should be our answer to prejudice and mistrust,” she said.
Emphasizing the importance of people-to-people interaction, the former Chief Minister said every pilgrim returning from Kashmir should carry with them a deeper understanding of the region’s culture, values and traditions.
“Let every devotee who visits Kashmir leave with a deeper understanding of our values, our faith and our people. This is our chance to show the true spirit of Islam and Kashmir,” Mehbooba said.
Her remarks come as preparations for the annual pilgrimage gather momentum across Kashmir, with security agencies and civil administration finalizing arrangements for the smooth conduct of the yatra beginning next month.
Mehbooba maintained that Kashmir has a long legacy of communal harmony and hospitality and said the pilgrimage offers an auspicious occasion to reinforce those values through meaningful interaction between local residents and visiting devotees.
She urged people to extend warmth and cooperation to pilgrims and contribute towards making the pilgrimage a peaceful and memorable experience. [KNT]