KCCI Welcomes Amarnath Yatra Pilgrims, Calls for Safe Travel and Tourism Support in Kashmir
Srinagar, 25 June 2025 – In a heartfelt gesture underscoring Kashmir’s legacy of communal harmony and hospitality, the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has formally extended a warm welcome to the pilgrims of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. The apex trade body reaffirmed the Valley’s tradition of embracing religious tourists with compassion, respect, and care.
The statement from KCCI comes at a critical moment, as the Valley gears up to host thousands of devotees journeying through challenging terrains to reach the sacred Amarnath Cave Shrine. The pilgrimage is not just a spiritual endeavor—it is a living testament to Kashmir’s multicultural identity, hospitality, and shared traditions of faith and coexistence.
Kashmir: A Land of Welcoming Hearts and Sacred Bonds
For centuries, the people of Kashmir have played a vital role in supporting the Yatra. Villagers along the route often serve langars (community meals), provide shelter, guide trekkers, and assist during medical emergencies. This year, as always, the spirit of brotherhood continues to define the region’s response to the annual event.
The KCCI’s message emphasized that beyond economic interests, what stands out is the emotional and cultural bond that ties Kashmiris with the pilgrims. This pilgrimage, they noted, reflects not only deep spiritual sentiment but also a civilizational link that transcends religion and politics.
KCCI’s Call for Infrastructure, Security, and Medical Readiness
In its press statement, the Chamber made a respectful appeal to the government to ensure comprehensive preparations for the 2025 Yatra. It stressed the importance of prioritizing infrastructure, sanitation, safety, and medical support across the pilgrimage route.
With temperatures fluctuating across the Himalayas and footfall expected to rise significantly this year, the KCCI urged authorities to:
- Deploy additional medical stations along the Baltal and Pahalgam routes.
- Provide clean drinking water and hygienic food options at base camps.
- Ensure proper sanitation and waste disposal to protect the environment.
- Streamline logistics for safe and seamless transport.
The call is clear: treat every pilgrim not just as a visitor, but as a respected guest whose well-being is a shared responsibility.
Tourism Revival Post-Pahalgam Incident: An Urgent Priority
Importantly, the KCCI’s statement did not shy away from addressing recent challenges. Referring to the unfortunate April 2024 Pahalgam incident, which impacted tourism sentiment in the region, the Chamber made a direct appeal to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha and the Hon’ble Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
It urged them to take proactive steps to:
- Rebuild tourist confidence through visible safety measures.
- Ensure uninterrupted movement of tourists across the Valley.
- Facilitate access to scenic spots such as Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Dachigam, and Yusmarg during the Yatra period.
The Chamber underlined that a vibrant and secure tourism experience during the Yatra will not only restore faith among visitors but also offer much-needed economic relief to the thousands of Kashmiris whose livelihoods depend on the tourism ecosystem.
Unity in Diversity: The Shared Essence of the Amarnath Yatra
The Yatra serves as a microcosm of India’s unity in diversity. In the face of adversity, Kashmiris have historically chosen empathy over enmity, compassion over conflict. Be it local Muslims helping Hindu pilgrims navigate icy paths, or residents offering food and shelter, the narrative of the Yatra is one of collective humanity.
This year too, the people of Kashmir are prepared to extend their support. The Chamber’s call isn’t just policy-oriented—it’s deeply personal. It reflects the region’s desire to heal, grow, and thrive together.
KCCI’s Broader Vision: Peace, Prosperity, and Pilgrimage
As Kashmir moves forward in its journey of peace and economic revival, the KCCI has repeatedly positioned itself as a torchbearer of progressive dialogue. Whether in infrastructure development, youth employment, or sustainable tourism, the Chamber has voiced the aspirations of the Valley’s business community.
Their latest message is yet another reminder that sacred events like the Amarnath Yatra are opportunities—not just for faith-based travel, but for strengthening national bonds, cultural coexistence, and economic harmony.
Bottom-Line: The Path Ahead Requires Unity and Urgency
As pilgrims prepare to embark on their spiritual journey, the call from the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry is clear: let us welcome them with warmth, protect them with planning, and inspire them with peace.
From the foothills of Pahalgam to the snowy paths of Baltal, let the echo of this Yatra be one not just of devotion, but of dignity, unity, and unforgettable Kashmiri hospitality.
Let Kashmir lead by example—where sacred paths meet shared purpose.
NO:KCC&I/PN/06/2025/4503 25th June, 2025
PRESS NOTE
The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) extends a warm welcome to all Amarnath Yatra pilgrims visiting the Valley this year.
The apex business body of Kashmir, KCCI reaffirms that the people of Kashmir have always upheld the spirit of communal harmony, brotherhood, and mutual respect.
Kashmir is known for its unmatched hospitality, rich culture and centuries old civilisation; and over the years, local people have consistently welcomed pilgrims with open hearts. The pilgrimage holds deep spiritual significance and also reflects the age-old bond between the people of Kashmir and the visiting devotees.
KCCI appeals to the government to ensure all necessary arrangements are in place for the comfort, safety, and well-being of the pilgrims. Adequate medical facilities, seamless logistics, sanitation, and other essential services should be prioritised to facilitate a smooth and safe Yatra experience for our revered guests.
The Chamber reiterates its full support in fostering an atmosphere of peace, unity, and cooperation, and believes that such sacred events further strengthen the bonds of harmony and shared heritage.
The KCCI also appeals to the Hon’ble Lt. Governor Shri Manoj Ji & the Hon’ble Chief Minister , Omar Abdullah to facilitate the smooth movement of tourists who come from far off places to visit scenic landscape of Kashmir during Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. This will help tourism to revive post unfortunate Pahalgham incident.
KCC&I further requests that the administration ensure tourists visiting the Valley during the yatra period are provided with hassle-free access to all major tourist destinations.
Faiz Ahmad Bakshi
Secretary General
The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry INC.
2ND FLOOR, MOHIDIN TRUST BUILDING, RESIDENCY ROAD, SRINAGAR-KASHMIR-190001
TEL: 0194-2455446/2482176
FAX : 0194: 2452517
E-MAIL : thekashmirchamber@gmail.com
Website : www.thekcci.in
