Srinagar, J & K : The 80th Independence Day was celebrated across Jammu and Kashmir with patriotic fervour and enthusiasm on Saturday, with the Tricolour unfurled at major venues across the Kashmir Valley and people from different sections of society participating in the celebrations.

The main Independence Day function in Jammu and Kashmir was held at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, where Chief Minister Omar Abdullah hoisted the National Flag and took the salute at the parades.

The event marked the main official celebration in the Union Territory and was attended by elected representatives, senior civil and police officers, security personnel, students and members of the public.

In his address, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reiterated his government’s commitment to the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and its constitutional guarantees, saying that his administration would continue working to fulfil the aspirations of the people.

The Chief Minister placed the issue of statehood prominently in his Independence Day address, reaffirming that the elected government remains committed to pursuing the restoration of the erstwhile state’s full statehood and constitutional safeguards.

Across the Valley, elaborate programmes were organised at district, sub divisional and block headquarters. The celebrations featured flag-hoisting ceremonies, ceremonial parades, cultural programmes and patriotic performances, with students, youth, civil society representatives and the general public participating in large numbers.

In Pulwama, the main function was organised at the District Police Lines, where Deputy Commissioner Pulwama Dr Basharat Qayoom hoisted the National Flag and took the salute at the ceremonial parade. MLA Rajpora Ghulam Mohi Uddin Mir, MLA Pulwama Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra, MLA Pampore Justice Hasnain Masoodi, SSP Pulwama Ms Tanushree, former DDC members, political representatives and senior officers from the civil administration and security forces attended the function.

Contingents of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, JKAP, CRPF, IRP, Home Guards, Fire and Emergency Services, NCC and students from various educational institutions participated in the march-past.

In North Kashmir, Independence Day celebrations were held across Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora with the participation of civil administration, police, security forces, students and the general public. At Baramulla, Cabinet Minister Javeed Ahmad Dar unfurled the Tricolour, while in Kupwara and Bandipora, the respective Deputy Commissioners hoisted the National Flag.

In Central Kashmir, Budgam and Ganderbal witnessed similar celebrations, with Deputy Commissioners unfurling the Tricolour in the presence of officials, security personnel, students and members of the public. Cultural programmes and patriotic performances were also organised as part of the celebrations.

In South Kashmir, Independence Day functions were held in Anantnag, Kulgam and Shopian. At Anantnag, Cabinet Minister Sakina Itoo unfurled the Tricolour and reviewed the ceremonial parade. In Kulgam and Shopian, the respective Deputy Commissioners hoisted the National Flag and took the salute at the parades.

The celebrations witnessed enthusiastic participation by school and college students, who presented cultural programmes, patriotic songs and other performances showcasing the country’s rich cultural diversity and the spirit of national unity.

At several locations, security arrangements were strengthened around major venues to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the celebrations. Authorities also put in place arrangements for traffic management, venue security and the participation of the public.

The Independence Day celebrations across Kashmir saw the Tricolour prominently displayed at government offices, educational institutions and public venues, reflecting the festive and patriotic atmosphere across the Valley.

The day was also marked by tributes to freedom fighters and martyrs, while speakers at various functions emphasised the importance of national unity, peace, development and the constructive role of youth in shaping Jammu and Kashmir’s future.

The celebrations concluded with cultural programmes and patriotic presentations, with officials calling upon citizens to contribute towards peace, development and public welfare while upholding the democratic and constitutional values of the country.

The 80th Independence Day brought people across Kashmir together in a collective celebration of India’s independence.

Report By – Mudasir Maqbool

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