Interacting with the Kashmir Pandits, who had made journeys from across the country to the temple, Nasir said that the festival has long past been observed with traditional fervour and gaiety. He was accompanied by the party's local unit functionaries on the occasion. 

 

He said the festivity is a glaring example of the syncretic cultural ethos of Jammu and Kashmir, where people from diverse religious backgrounds join the festivity with the spirit of bonhomie & inclusivity. “From time immemorial Kupwara has been an immaculate illustration of unity in diversity of cultures, faiths and traditions. Annual observance of the Zyeth Atham festival at the Kheer Bhawani temple Tikker, Kupwara reinforces such traditional bonds of unity  and fostering a feeling of fraternity. I congratulate the district administration for making elaborate arrangements at the temple. I take this opportunity to congratulate my Pandit brethren hoping for their return to their homes,” he said.

 

Expressing his wish for an early, dignified and lasting return of the Kashmiri pandit brethren to Kashmir, he said, “The pluralistic culture of Kashmir is incomplete without our Kashmiri pandit brothers and sisters. Ensuring the homecoming, overall well-being and progress of the Pandit community remains the cornerstone of our party agenda. We will continue to strive in that direction.”(KNS).