Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, extended greetings on the occasion of Navratri. He said the festival reflects unity, brotherhood, and communal harmony in the Union Territory.
Choudhary described Navratri as a spiritual festival that brings people together and connects different communities. Speaking to mediapersons after offering prayers at the Maa Bawe Wali shrine in Jammu, he highlighted how different religious events are happening at the same time in the region.
“Navratri dedicated to Maa Durga has begun and it is a sacred festival with which every individual is emotionally connected. This is the beauty of Jammu and Kashmir; while one community is observing Roza, another starts Navratri. With Eid approaching, different festivals are being celebrated together,” he said.
He said this shared celebration shows the region’s rich and composite culture. According to him, such harmony reflects the true spirit of Jammu and Kashmir as well as the country.
Choudhary said he visited the shrine in a personal capacity with his two sons. “There is nothing political about my visit. I came to bow my head and seek blessings. The Mother has already given me so much, and one does not need to ask as she knows what her children need,” he said.
Praying for peace and prosperity, Choudhary said he sought blessings for continued harmony in Jammu and Kashmir. “The brotherhood for which J&K is known should always remain intact as it will ensure progress, development and stronger relationships,” he added.
He also conveyed greetings on behalf of the government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Farooq Abdullah. He extended wishes to devotees across the country and abroad. Replying to a question about media restrictions inside the temple, Choudhary said such steps are taken due to security reasons.
“These are compulsions of security. Restrictions are always for public safety. Given certain past incidents, security agencies cannot take risks and have to make proper arrangements,” he said. He added that police and security agencies stay alert to avert any untoward incident that could harm people or disturb communal harmony.
“There are disruptive forces in society, and attempts are often made to create disturbances in Jammu and Kashmir. Hence, whether it is a Hindu or Muslim festival, the effort is to ensure peaceful celebrations,” he said.
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