Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, June 10: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today said that the safe and smooth conduct of the upcoming annual Amarnath Yatra would instil confidence and pave the way for the return of tourists to Kashmir.
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Speaking to reporters after meeting party workers residing along the Yatra route in Pahalgam, Mufti said that more than the security forces and police, it is the people who have a greater role to play in ensuring the pilgrimage is conducted peacefully.
“I came here regarding the Amarnath Yatra and convened a meeting with our workers who live along the Yatra route. I told them that securing the Yatra is the responsibility of the people of Pahalgam. A smooth Yatra will instil confidence and help revive tourism,” she said.
Mufti also urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and the administration to reopen tourist destinations in Pahalgam-closed following a recent attack-so that local tourism can resume and those dependent on it can earn their livelihoods.
“The destinations in Pahalgam such as Chandanwari, Aru, Betaab Valley, and other parks that have been closed must be reopened so that local tourists can visit and tourism stakeholders can earn a living. These people are already neck-deep in debt,” she said.
She also appealed to the Shrine Board to revisit its decision of allowing only one horse per pony walla during the Yatra.
“In Pahalgam, people own more than one horse, and they rely on them during the Yatra. The decision should be reconsidered, and the cap lifted to allow them to earn as they used to,” she said. Mufti said the local people want pilgrims to arrive in large numbers and assured that they would be welcomed and treated with the same warmth as always.
While addressing party workers earlier, she reiterated that the responsibility for the safety of pilgrims lies more with the local people than the security forces. Mufti also recalled a time when leaders from Delhi had sought to meet the Hurriyat, but were turned away.
Addressing New Delhi, she said, “Today, the people of J&K are extending a hand of friendship. Don’t do what the Hurriyat did. Don’t pull back your hand.”
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