Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 20: Welcoming the commencement of the annual Amarnath Yatra, the Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) today urged pilgrims to come to Kashmir without fear.
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Addressing a press conference here, KTMF President Mohammad Yaseen Khan said the Yatra is not just a religious event but also a spiritual and social bridge between communities.
“It is our earnest appeal to all yatris to come without fear or hesitation and to witness Kashmir for what it truly is-a land of warmth, culture, and resilience,” he said.
Khan, flanked by senior KTMF members Manoj Kumar Tandon, Bashir Ahmad Rather, Fayaz Ahmad, and Qazi Tauseef, said the pilgrimage reflects Kashmir’s centuries-old traditions of hospitality, inclusiveness, and interfaith harmony.
He termed the Yatra a symbol of interfaith brotherhood, noting that Kashmir has historically been a cradle of shared spiritual heritage where Hindus and Muslims have lived and celebrated together.
“The Amarnath Yatra is one of the oldest and most significant pilgrimages in the country. Its roots are deeply intertwined with the history and ethos of Kashmir,” Khan said.
He underscored the importance of preserving the Yatra’s social and cultural character.
“While we support the need for adequate security arrangements, we urge the authorities not to let security create a disconnect. Pilgrims must be allowed to walk through our markets, speak with local shopkeepers, taste our food, and experience firsthand the hospitality for which Kashmir is known,” he said.
He emphasized that such interactions will build mutual trust and reinforce the message that Kashmir is open, peaceful, and welcoming.
“Just as pilgrimage tourism is facilitated with dignity and respect in other parts of the country, the Amarnath Yatra must prioritize both the safety and the spiritual experience of the yatris,” he added.
Calling for better facilities, Khan urged the Government to provide modern infrastructure, especially for elderly and differently-abled pilgrims. He also stressed the need for medical aid centers, communication assistance, and eco-friendly lodging to ensure not only the safety of the yatris but also the preservation of the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
Highlighting KTMF’s longstanding role in facilitating the smooth conduct of the Yatra, Khan said, “Even during difficult times, KTMF has remained committed to peace and communal harmony. The Yatra offers an opportunity to counter polarization and project the humane face of Kashmir.”
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