SRINAGAR: Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Monday reaffirmed the Valley’s longstanding tradition of welcoming the annual Amarnath Yatra, saying the pilgrimage is a religious journey of the Hindu community and that the people of Kashmir have always supported it and would continue to do so.
Speaking to reporters after inaugurating an educational consultancy initiative at Lal Chowk, the Mirwaiz said Kashmir’s ethos has always been rooted in hospitality and respect for people of all faiths, including Hindus, Sikhs and Kashmiri Pandits.
“The Amarnath Yatra is a religious pilgrimage. We have always respected the religious sentiments of all communities. It is our tradition to welcome pilgrims, and we want the Yatra to proceed peacefully and conclude successfully,” he said.
The Mirwaiz said it was the responsibility of the administration to ensure adequate security and facilities for the pilgrims while also ensuring that the daily lives of local residents are not unnecessarily disrupted and that Kashmir’s fragile environment is protected.
He said religious occasions should not be politicised and should instead promote faith, peace, mutual respect and communal harmony.
The 57-day annual Amarnath Yatra began on July 3 and has been witnessing a steady inflow of pilgrims through the twin routes of Pahalgam and Baltal.
Responding to questions on the recent suspension of several government employees and the ban on a number of books, the Mirwaiz criticised the use of prohibitory measures, saying bans on books, ideas or organisations have no place in a democratic society.
He said Kashmir’s history did not begin in 2019 and described the region’s 5,000-year civilisational legacy as a source of pride.
“We are proud of every aspect of our history—from the Buddhist period and Shaivism to Hindu traditions and the Islamic period, which together shaped Kashmir’s spiritual, social and cultural identity,” he said, adding that history cannot be erased or selectively interpreted to suit any particular narrative.
The Mirwaiz also called for renewed engagement between India and Pakistan, saying dialogue remains the only viable path to resolving outstanding issues, including those related to Jammu and Kashmir and the Indus Waters Treaty.
“We do not want tensions to increase. The relationship between the two countries is already under considerable strain. Issues should be resolved through dialogue rather than politicisation,” he said.
Recalling his long-standing advocacy of peaceful engagement, the Mirwaiz said he had consistently supported dialogue despite facing personal tragedies and attacks following the assassination of his father, Mirwaiz Mohammad Farooq.
He said that as global conflicts continue to underline the limitations of military solutions, the legacy of dialogue initiated during the tenures of former Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh should be revived.
The Mirwaiz stressed that sustained dialogue between New Delhi and Islamabad, as well as between New Delhi and Srinagar, was essential for lasting peace, dignity and a just resolution of issues.
