Dressed in green T-shirts sporting the message `Let love and peace prevail', the yatris marched through the streets of Lalchowk, M A Road and Polo Ground up to Sonawar and back to Lalchowk. Along the way they distributed pamphlets highlighting the rich tradition of secularism and religious tolerance of the people of Kashmir. ``We are not afraid of facing militants here. We are determined to spread the message of peace and harmony. The people of Kashmir have been going through a bad phase and have suffered a lot during these years. We are here to express our concern, feelings and love for you,'' stressed Sanjay Nehali, the leader of the yatris.

The yatris also addressed people from public address systems installed in two vehicles. ``Apna to kam hayjaltey rahey charag, rastey main chahey dost ka ya dushman ka ghar milay (Our job is to keep the flame alive irrespective of who we encounter along the way -- friend or foe),'' one of the peace marchers philosophised.

For the citizens of Srinagar, this was a surprise, albeit a pleasant one. Onlookers could be seen enquiring about the march and accepting the pamphlets. The team included two girls in their teens, who went from shop-to-shop distributing pamphlets and explaining the purpose of their visit. ``We want to tell the people that we care for them and pray for peace. We started from Jammu, and went to Rajouri, Poonch and other parts,'' said one of the girls.

Similar peace marches in Punjab helped bring peace to the state, pointed out her equally enthusiastic companion. ``We took out similar yatras in Baramulla, and another will be arranged in Anantnag en route to Jammu. Kashmir is really beautiful but the people here look tired and dull. We pray that peace returns to the Valley,'' she saidfervently.