By Azadi Times | Srinagar Bureau | Pahalgam, Indian administered Kashmir — In a strong statement underscoring communal harmony and economic concern, PDP President and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said that the local people of Pahalgam will continue to safeguard and host the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra as they have done in the past, despite recent challenges.
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Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a local event in Pahalgam on Tuesday, Mufti reaffirmed Kashmir’s legacy of hospitality and spiritual tolerance, saying,
“The people of Kashmir will welcome the Amarnath pilgrims as they always have, with open arms and full dedication.”
Economic Woes After Baisaran Incident
Mehbooba Mufti highlighted the economic hardships faced by locals in the wake of the recent tragedy in the Baisaran valley, which disrupted tourism and pilgrimage activity in the region.
“After the Baisaran incident, the situation changed drastically. Nearly 10,000 people—including pony owners, hotel operators, shopkeepers, taxi and auto drivers—have suffered economic setbacks,” she said.
She emphasized that many of these locals are struggling with bank loans and financial stress, urging the administration to step in with relief and revival measures.
Call for Community-Led Protection of Pilgrimage Routes
The PDP chief said her visit to Pahalgam was specifically aimed at rallying local workers along the Amarnath Yatra routes, encouraging them to take collective ownership in safeguarding the pilgrimage.
“This is not just about religious duty; it’s about restoring trust and reviving tourism in the region,” she added.
Appeal to Administration and Shrine Board
Mufti also made specific appeals to the Jammu & Kashmir administration and the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, calling for:
Reopening of closed parks to facilitate local tourism and provide economic relief to service providers such as horsemen and vendors.
Authorization for pony owners to bring the full number of their registered horses for Yatra-related services.
She stressed the need for inclusivity and local engagement in the management of the pilgrimage, noting that local livelihoods are deeply tied to the seasonal influx of pilgrims.
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Reinforcing Kashmir’s Spirit of Coexistence
Despite her political differences with the current administration, Mehbooba Mufti’s statements reflected a broader theme of Kashmir’s historical role in fostering interfaith unity.
“We will leave no stone unturned in serving the Yatris, just as we have always done,” she affirmed.
Why This Matters
Amid rising economic uncertainty and increasing political polarization, Mufti’s statement acts as both a plea for administrative sensitivity and a reaffirmation of Kashmir’s Sufi-rooted culture of communal harmony. It also highlights the fragile balance between tourism-dependent livelihoods and the politics of pilgrimage in the conflict-scarred region of Jammu & Kashmir.
