Former J&K Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Monday (June 15, 2026) called upon locals to educate Amarnath pilgrims and tourists about the importance of dialogue on Kashmir and fight the current hate politics with warmth of hospitality. 

Calling for Mahatma Gandhi-like satyagraha, Ms. Mufti said, “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”.

Ms. Mufti made the statement in an address to locals in south Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which will host the yatra from July 3 this year. 

Referring to alleged hate crimes against Kashmiri students and shawl vendors in mainland India, Ms. Mufti said,” 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 urged a peaceful people’s initiative to ensure every Yatri feels welcomed, respected, and protected. “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,” Ms. Mufti said.

Ms. Mufti said she wrote an open letter to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah “to convene an all-party meeting and persuade the Prime Minister and the Home Minister to engage in dialogue with the political parties of J&K”.

“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,” said Ms. Mufti.