SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir marked the 80th Independence Day with widespread patriotic celebrations on Saturday. The national flag was unfurled at major functions in Srinagar and Jammu, alongside events in district, sub-divisional, tehsil, block, and panchayat headquarters across the Union Territory. These observances featured ceremonial parades, march-pasts, cultural programmes, and patriotic songs, drawing participation from students, government employees, officials, and citizens from diverse backgrounds.
Information was available with The Chenab Times detailing the main event in Srinagar, where Chief Minister Omar Abdullah hoisted the national flag at Bakhshi Stadium. He also took the salute at the ceremonial parade and, in his address, reaffirmed his government’s dedication to advancing Jammu and Kashmir’s development and prosperity. Abdullah also spoke on the ongoing efforts for the restoration of statehood and constitutional guarantees, emphasizing the importance of democracy and federalism, and advocating for transparent and merit-based recruitment processes.
In his address, Abdullah paid tribute to the resilience of the people of Jammu and Kashmir during the 1947 tribal invasion and acknowledged the sacrifices made in defending the region. He called for sustained peace, development, democracy, and justice, underscoring the necessity of continuous dialogue between the government and the populace.
In Jammu, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary led the main Independence Day celebration at M.A. Stadium. He unfurled the tricolour and took the salute at the parade. Choudhary highlighted the government’s strategic focus on infrastructure development, including roads, bridges, power supply, and water resources, as well as advancements in healthcare, education, agriculture, and industry. Significant emphasis was also placed on generating employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for the region’s youth.
Choudhary expressed concern regarding the rising issue of drug abuse among young people and urged for a unified campaign involving families, educational institutions, and civil society. He also stressed the importance of environmental conservation, particularly in light of recurrent cloudbursts, floods, and landslides. The Deputy Chief Minister reiterated the appeal to the central government to fulfil its commitment to restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
Across the Union Territory, celebrations were held at various administrative levels. In Udhampur, Deputy Commissioner Minga Sherpa unfurled the flag and oversaw a march-past. Samba observed the occasion with a focus on development, youth empowerment, education, employment, and a campaign for a drug-free society, led by Deputy Commissioner Ayushi Sudan. Doda’s district-level function at the Sports Stadium involved contingents of police, paramilitary forces, NCC cadets, and students, with the administration highlighting progress in education, agriculture, tourism, and youth empowerment.
Reasi’s celebrations at General Zorawar Singh Sports Stadium, presided over by Deputy Commissioner Kumar Abhishek, featured student performances showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage. In Ramban, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Alyas Khan hoisted the flag at District Police Lines, with similar events held across Banihal, Ramsoo, and Gool. Rajouri’s District Development Commissioner Abhishek Sharma focused on development in border and tribal areas, healthcare, housing, connectivity, and youth empowerment, also emphasizing preparedness for flood situations and the anti-drug abuse campaign.
In the Kashmir division, Deputy Commissioners across districts hoisted the national flag, inspected parades, and took salutes, accompanied by cultural programmes and student participation. In Baramulla, Minister Javid Ahmad Dar highlighted progress in agriculture, healthcare, education, and rural development. Pulwama’s Deputy Commissioner Dr. Basharat Qayoom focused on health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure development, while stressing youth skill development. Ganderbal celebrated with a march-past and cultural performances, highlighting infrastructure projects and youth entrepreneurship.
Bandipora’s vibrant celebration at Government Higher Secondary School Nadihal saw Deputy Commissioner Indu Kanwal Chib hoist the flag, with a parade including various security forces and students. Handwara’s Additional Deputy Commissioner Javed Naseem Masoodi unfurled the flag, with departmental tableaux showcasing development initiatives. The border region of Karnah also witnessed significant participation, including students and civil administration. Shopian’s Deputy Commissioner Shishir Gupta presided over a parade and cultural programmes, while Kulgam’s celebrations included patriotic performances and band displays.
In Kupwara, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani spoke about development projects and employment opportunities, outlining a vision of peace and progress. Kishtwar’s Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma led the flag hoisting and march-past. The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, addressed government employees on integrity and efficiency at the Amar Niwas Complex in Srinagar.
The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh observed Independence Day at both its Jammu and Srinagar wings. Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Kumar hoisted the flag in Srinagar, with lawyers from across the Kashmir Valley in attendance. District Courts also held ceremonies, with judicial officers paying tribute to freedom fighters and reaffirming commitment to constitutional values. SKUAST-Kashmir, under Vice Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, focused on agricultural innovation and food security. Other departments, including the Skill Development Department and Government College of Education Srinagar, held ceremonies emphasizing vocational education and responsible citizenship.
The nationwide celebrations across Jammu and Kashmir, from major cities to remote areas, served as a platform for unity, peace, and development, with renewed calls for statehood restoration and a collective commitment to the region’s progress.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
