SRINAGAR, June 26 -- The Kashmir Trade Alliance (KTA) on Thursday extended a warm welcome to the commencement of the annual Amarnath Yatra, which is scheduled to begin from July 3.

In a statement issued to the press, Aijaz Shahdhar, President of KTA, said that the people of Kashmir have always upheld the centuries-old tradition of communal harmony and brotherhood. "The Amarnath Yatra is a symbol of our composite culture, and we welcome the pilgrims with open hearts, as we have done for decades," Shahdhar said.

He further added that this year's yatra assumes added significance as it is expected to revive economic activity in the Valley, especially in the wake of the recent setback following the April incident in Pahalgam. "Tourism and pi...