http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2009\12\26\story_26-12-2009_pg7_3
IHK Christians pray for peace * Muslims join Christmas celebrations GULMARG: Indian-held Kashmir's small Christian community on Friday prayed for the return of peace to the revolt-hit region, as Muslims joined them in Christmas festivities. On Christmas Eve, the region's Tourism Minister Rigzin Jora joined scores of Christians in a Mass service at a church in Gulmarg, about 50 kilometres north of Srinagar. "Everyone prayed for the return of peace to this beautiful region," said Jora. On Friday, hundreds of Muslims joined the Christians, including foreigners in Gulmarg, as tourism authorities arranged a three-day snow festival coinciding with the holiday. "It is wonderful to be here and we are enjoying every moment of it," said Brigit Hamilton while enjoying skiing with her six-year-old son, Monty. Local sculptors were seen carving out reindeers, tortoises and pandas out of snow as onlookers cheered them on. In Srinagar, a hotbed of separatist insurgency, several hundred Christians joined Mass services at the Holy Family Catholic church amid tight security. "Most of us prayed for the return of peace to Kashmir," said Madan Mohan, at the end of the service. "Many Muslims came to the church to greet their Christian brethren. It was a great gesture on their part to come here. They hugged and greeted us," said Alex Sawney, a young Kashmiri Christian. afp
