SRINAGAR, June 18, 2026 : Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President and former Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has appealed to the people of Kashmir to extend wholehearted support to the upcoming Amarnath Yatra 2026, describing the annual pilgrimage as a significant opportunity to strengthen trust, promote understanding, and bridge gaps between Kashmir and the rest of India.
During her interaction with Yatra stakeholders at the Sonamarg tourist resort in Ganderbal district on Thursday, Mehbooba urged local residents to ensure that pilgrims receive the highest standards of hospitality and assistance throughout their journey.
Addressing the gathering, she emphasized that Kashmiris have historically supported the Amarnath Yatra and have always been known for their tradition of welcoming guests with warmth and respect. She noted that misconceptions and negative perceptions about Kashmiris continue to exist in different parts of the country and stressed that the Yatra offers an ideal platform to counter such prejudices.
Mehbooba said that pilgrims visiting the Valley should experience the true spirit of Kashmir and understand that the people of the region are not defined by conflict but by their culture of hospitality, compassion, and human connection. She urged locals, particularly in Sonamarg and Ganderbal, to play a proactive role in making visitors feel safe, respected, and valued.
According to the PDP chief, every pilgrim should return home with positive memories of Kashmir and become an ambassador of goodwill, sharing stories of the Valley’s warmth, kindness, and inclusive culture.
Highlighting the essence of Kashmiriyat, Mehbooba stated that Kashmir has long been recognized for its traditions of coexistence, mutual respect, and generosity. She said the Amarnath Yatra presents an opportunity for people from across India to witness the real Kashmir—one rooted in humanity, rich cultural traditions, and peaceful coexistence.
She further stressed that faith should serve as a force for compassion and unity rather than division. Emphasizing the shared human bond between communities, she called for greater respect for each other’s faith, identity, and dignity.
Mehbooba also underlined the importance of sustainable development in Yatra-related regions. She advocated for improved infrastructure, better connectivity, enhanced opportunities for local youth, support for small businesses, and stronger measures to protect the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
Concluding her remarks, she said that the success of the Amarnath Yatra should not be measured solely by the number of pilgrims visiting the shrine but by the goodwill, friendships, and mutual understanding that remain long after the pilgrimage ends.
She reiterated that hospitality should be Kashmir’s answer to prejudice, compassion its response to mistrust, and peace, inclusion, and humanity its message to the nation and the world.
