Srinagar, June 18: Mehbooba Mufti, the leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), visited Sonamarg ahead of the Amarnath Yatra, engaging with local residents.
Mufti urged the community to ensure that pilgrims visiting for the Amarnath Yatra face no difficulties. Historically, the residents of Sonamarg have been attentive to the needs of these devotees. However, she expressed concern over rising animosity towards Muslims in society, emphasizing the need for the community to assist pilgrims in every possible way.
During her visit, Mufti also highlighted the challenges faced by the local population. She noted that many residents have not had the opportunity to travel to Baltal, despite having invested significantly in supplies. Additionally, there are fears that the construction of a gondola may jeopardize their livelihoods. She appealed to the Lieutenant Governor to consider building the gondola elsewhere to protect local jobs.
Furthermore, Mufti called for the resumption of trekking activities, which were halted following the Pahalgam attack. She stressed that those who rely on trekking for their income are facing hardships and urged the administration to restart these activities to benefit local adventure tourism.
On the topic of infrastructure, Mufti brought up the need for better management of water flow in the region, suggesting that measures be taken to facilitate easier access for residents. She also pointed out the lack of sanitation facilities, which affects tourism, advocating for the construction of more toilets to accommodate visitors.
Mufti emphasized the necessity of establishing a hospital in the area to cater to the health needs of tourists, as they often encounter medical issues during their visits. Additionally, she proposed the creation of a veterinary hospital to ensure the well-being of animals.
She praised the local community for their readiness to assist tourists in distress and acknowledged the historical significance of Sonamarg, which was initiated by her father, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. She expressed optimism about the region’s potential as a gateway to Ladakh and even China.
In conclusion, Mufti conveyed a message to Amarnath pilgrims, encouraging them to leave with positive experiences and advocating for dialogue to address the issues faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
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