Wednesday 13th May, 2026
Srinagar, Jul 27: Underscoring the traditional pluralistic ethos of the valley, former chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah on Saturday said people of Kashmir have always welcomed the Amarnath pilgrims for decades.
President of the National Conference (NC) Dr Abdullah, MP, from Srinagar constituency, today visited Amarnath Yatri Niwas at Pantha Chowk, Srinagar to take stock of the facilities being provided to Pilgrims.
He interacted with scores of pilgrims on the occasion who apprised him about the various facilities being provided to them. He expressed satisfaction over the facilities that have been made for the Pilgrims.
Dr Abdullah said the valley boasts robust secular tradition which is motored by the teaching of great Sufis. The tolerance, inter-religious harmony have been the main stay of Kashmiri culture. There is a great scope of improving the facilities to pilgrims. I extend my greeting to the Yatris who are coming for the first time.”
He also had a detailed interaction with the wardens of the Shiv Shakti Langar Sewa Purshotamji and Saranji, who acquainted him about range of edibles being served to Yatris.
Later local stone workers met Dr Abdullah and apprised him about the issues concerning them. He assured them that he will take the issues concerning them at appropriate forums. Earlier party president visited Pahalgam and Baltal base camps where he had interaction with scores of Yatris.
Dr Abdullah expressed satisfaction over the facilities being provided to Yatris. “The Yatra since ancient times is regarded as one of the most compelling and satisfying pilgrimages, and is extremely popular amongst the countrymen. Despite fragile Himalayan climatic conditions more and more pilgrims make it a point to visit the cave. I congratulate all those who are visiting the place. I hope the Yatris share their pleasurable experience in Kashmir with their friends and kin back home,” he said.