Jammu: National Conference President Farooq Abdullah today visited the Kanak Mandi, the business hub of the winter capital of Jammu, and interacted with traders at the old market.
Attired in a black bandhgala suit and a matching karakuli, Abdullah acknowledged the wishes of people and exchanged pleasantries with them.
The youngsters, including Vaishno Devi pilgrims, local residents and people from the Valley and Ladakh region, jostled for space to click selfies with the NC leader.
Accompanied by Provincial President, Devender Singh Rana, the National Conference president was honoured with a shawl by the President of Kanak Mandi Traders Association, Vijay Gupta, as a token of affection.
The members of the business community greeted him and welcomed him to the celebrations marking Makar Sankranti.
Abdullah wished people a prosperous, joyous and peaceful year with a hope that such auspicious occasions will prove as a harbinger of amity, tranquillity and harmony in the society.
It took him two hours to pass through the busy heritage market which otherwise is just a five-minute walk.
No sooner, had he made an impromptu appearance at the famous heritage Raghunath Bazar, several shopkeepers alighted from their shops and shook hands with him.
Abdullah waved at the people assembled on the pavements, wished the devotees a blissful pilgrimage and sat for a while at the business establishments of known acquaintances.
Many people apprised the NC President about various problems and sought his intervention in getting those solved.
He also interacted with pilgrim tourists belonging to various states and enquired about their experiences with the time-tested hospitality of the city people.
He hoped visitors will cherish memories of their visit to Jammu and Mata Vaishno Devi and return with a message of peace from the state.