Jammu people foiled evil designs of vested elements: Azad

The people of Jammu have always exhibited tolerance and accommodation,this is the reason why the district has become a mini Jammu and Kashmir as people of all 22 districts of the state have settled here,he said.

The bigger reason for it is that militancy had not affected Jammu district much and by and large it remained peaceful,he said,adding that Jammu has emerged as a symbol of communal harmony and tolerant culture.

Referring to the festival of Diwali,Azad said joint celebrations of festivals promotes unity by bringing people of different faiths together.

Our pluralist ethos teaches us to participate in each others festival and community celebrations as it brings joy,happiness besides spreading message of peace,the former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir said.

He recalled his earlier days as a Parliamentarian and said former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi used to organise Eid party which was attended by people from different faiths.

Azad said he had drawn inspirations from her to organise other festivals like Diwali Milan,Eid Milan,Gurupurb Milan,Holi Milan,Christmas Milan and this continued till the late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

The minister lauded the Lawyers Forum for organising the Diwali Milan programme which was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand,leaders from different political parties and other prominent citizens.