Turn Yatra into A Journey of Inclusion, Shared responsibility
Mehbooba Mufti Calls for Unity, Dignity, Sustainable Development, and Support for Local Communities
18/06/2026
Sonmarg,June 18 (KIP)-Addressing local residents and stakeholders in Sonmarg, Mehbooba Mufti said that the Yatra should be seen not only as a religious journey but as an opportunity to strengthen the bonds of trust, understanding, and shared belonging between Kashmir and the rest of the country.
She said that Kashmir has always been known for its tradition of hospitality, compassion, and respect for guests. “The people of Kashmir, especially those living in areas like Sonmarg and Pahalgam, have always welcomed visitors with warmth and dignity. This spirit of Kashmiriyat is our greatest strength and our biggest message to the world,” she said.
Mehbooba Mufti said the Yatra provides an important opportunity for people from different parts of India to experience the real Kashmir, a Kashmir of ordinary people, rich traditions, kindness, and humanity.
“The Yatra is a bridge that connects hearts. It should bring locals and visitors closer, remove misunderstandings, and replace prejudice with understanding. Every devotee who visits Kashmir should return with memories of our hospitality, our culture, and the warmth of our people,” she said.
She emphasized that faith should become a source of compassion and connection rather than division. “Hindus and Muslims, locals and outsiders, Kashmir and the rest of India, we all share a common human bond. The true strength of any society lies in respecting each other’s faith, identity, and dignity,” she added.
While welcoming visitors, Mehbooba Mufti also highlighted the concerns of local communities who support and host the Yatra. She said that the people of Sonmarg, Pahalgam, and other Yatra-related areas must remain at the centre of tourism and development planning.
“The people who open their homes, provide services, and contribute to making the Yatra successful deserve recognition and meaningful participation. Their voices must be heard,” she said.
She stressed the need for sustainable development that benefits local communities, including improved infrastructure, better connectivity, support for small businesses, opportunities for youth, and protection of the fragile Himalayan environment.
Mehbooba Mufti noted that local residents, pony owners, traders, transporters, guides, hoteliers, vendors, and workers raised several longstanding concerns regarding basic facilities and infrastructure in the Yatra areas. She said the pony track in Sonmarg is in poor condition and requires urgent development and maintenance to ensure the safety and convenience of both pilgrims and service providers.
She also supported the demand for proper sheds and resting facilities for horses, as well as designated sheds for local vendors who provide essential services during the Yatra season. She urged the authorities to grant necessary permissions and create adequate infrastructure so that local communities can carry out their livelihoods with dignity and without unnecessary hardships.
She said local traders, transporters, guides, pony owners, hoteliers, and workers are an important part of Kashmir’s tourism ecosystem and their livelihoods must be protected.
“Development should not come at the cost of our environment or the interests of local people. Sonmarg, Pahalgam, and our mountains are our shared heritage, and we must preserve them for future generations,” she said.
Mehbooba Mufti said the success of the Yatra should not only be measured by the number of pilgrims who arrive but by the goodwill, friendships, and understanding that remain after they leave.
“Our answer to prejudice should be hospitality, our answer to mistrust should be compassion, and our message should be the true spirit of Kashmir — peace, inclusion, and humanity. At the same time, the concerns of local communities must be addressed through practical measures that improve livelihoods, strengthen infrastructure, and ensure that the benefits of tourism reach the people who sustain it,” she said.