SRINAGAR: Diwali, the festival of lights, resonated with religious fervour throughout the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Political leaders shared their sentiments, and sweets were distributed along the Line of Control (LoC), conveying a message of unity, communal harmony, and cultural diversity.
LG Manoj Sinha extended Diwali greetings to the local people in Jammu and Kashmir, saying, “Happy Deepawali! May this festival bring happiness, good health, and prosperity in everyone’s lives.”
आप सभी को दीपावली की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं। मेरी कामना है कि प्रकाश का यह पावन पर्व सबके जीवन में सुख, शांति एवं समृद्धि लेकर लाए।
Happy Deepawali! May this festival bring happiness, good health and prosperity in everyone’s lives.
— Manoj Sinha (@manojsinha_) November 12, 2023
Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President and Member of Parliament from Srinagar, Dr Farooq Abdullah, extended greetings, expressing hope for a traditional and harmonious Diwali, emphasizing the cultural diversity of the region. “I hope the day increases the prospects of peace and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir and the world. I wish people a very happy Diwali, hoping they will celebrate their happiness with the have-nots,” he said.
Wishing all of you a very happy Diwali 🪔. pic.twitter.com/J3YuHDTEvv
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) November 12, 2023
National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah echoed his father’s sentiments, underlining the festival’s potential to strengthen brotherhood and communal harmony in Jammu and Kashmir. “May this Diwali strengthen the bond of brotherhood and communal harmony in J&K. I wish people a very Happy Diwali, hoping that the day augurs well for everlasting peace and prosperity in J&K,” he stated.
Former Chief Minister, and President Peoples Democratic Party Mehbooba Mufti also felicitated people on the auspicious occasion of Diwali wishing them happiness and well-being.
Happy Diwali! May the festival of lights bring joy and prosperity in all your endeavours 🪔 pic.twitter.com/7NOPGu1n6L
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) November 12, 2023
In her message of greetings on the eve of Deepawali, Mufti hoped that the Festival of Lights would be harbinger of peace, progress and prosperity in the state. She said while celebrating festivals, we must remember the poor and needy and share joy with them. We have a rich tradition of celebrating festivals in amity and brotherhood in the J&K, in consonance with our unique multicultural ethos.
PDP President further added that the auspicious occasion reflects the ultimate triumph of goodness and noble human values. “We hope this Festival of Lights brings happiness into the lives of the people of J&K.”
Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, President of the Apni party, joined the goodwill chorus, extending greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. In his message, he wished for joy and happiness, stating, “May this Diwali strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and communal harmony among people.”
May the auspicious occasion of Diwali be a harbinger of cheer and happiness in lives of everyone around. We are reminded by this auspicious occasion that it is the righteousness which prevails in the end, so we must stick to the good things to see ourselves through otherwise… pic.twitter.com/bcHYnupJ6N
— Altaf Bukhari (@SMAltafBukhari) November 11, 2023
Former Union Minister and Congress leader, Prof Saifuddin Soz, added his voice to the festive greetings, emphasizing the celebration of Diwali with traditional harmony and brotherhood. “I hope the day increases the prospects of peace and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir and the world. I wish people a very happy Diwali, hoping they will celebrate their happiness with the have-nots,” he remarked.
The General Officer Commanding of the 15 Corps, Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, on Sunday visited various formations, including those deployed along the Line of Control (LoC), to celebrate Diwali with troopers.
Chinar Corps Cdr with Troops on Diwali -2023#ChinarCorps Cdr visited frontline units along the #LoC and in hinterland to celebrate #Diwali2023. He also conveyed best wishes for good health and #happiness to their families on the occasion.
The Corps Cdr complimented the troops… pic.twitter.com/ouYJ9Iu12o
— Chinar Corps🍁 – Indian Army (@ChinarcorpsIA) November 12, 2023
‘#ChinarCorps Cdr visited frontline units along the LoC and in hinterland to celebrate Diwali. He also conveyed best wishes for good health and happiness to their families on the occasion,’ the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps said on X.
Meanwhile, the Indian Army exchanged sweets with their Pakistani counterparts along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district. However, there was no traditional exchange of sweets and pleasantries along the International Border (IB) due to the tense situation following recent ceasefire violations by Pakistan Rangers, resulting in the death of a Border Security Force (BSF) jawan.
