From correspondents in Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, 05:00 PM IST

Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad arrived here Wednesday to a rousing reception during his first visit to his home state Jammu and Kashmir after his induction in the central government.

The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister was received by over 5,000 supporters who had come here from various parts of Jammu district.

At the Jammu airport, Azad, wearing a traditional saffron turban, was garlanded amid slogans praising him.

'Azad is our dear leader and he is a proud son of our region,' said Balbir Singh, a Congress worker.

Azad in his brief speech told his supporters that he would 'always remain associated with Jammu and Kashmir'.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)