The Union Territory administration in Jammu & Kashmir on Sunday painted the entire Kashmir valley in 'colors of India' to mark the 75th Independence day celebrations. The event passed off peacefully amid tight security arrangements.
The celebrations were held at all districts and the Tehsil headquarters where for the first time in the history of Kashmir the District Development Council (DDC) Chairman/ Chairperson hoisted the tricolour and addressed the participants.
Head of the departments of different Government offices, college Principals, Vice Chancellors of different universities, District court judges, school teachers hoisted the flag and listed achievements of their institutions. In Jammu region also the 75th I-day celebrations passed off peacefully. Even rains failed to deter the spirit of participants during the celebrations.Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Baseer Ahmad Khan Sunday flagged off a Shikara Rally from Nehru Park, Dal Lake. He stood tall in the motorboat holding a Tricolor while leading the rally. The Superintendent of Police, Central Jail Srinagar, Daljeet Singh also hoisted the National Flag during a function held at Central Jail Srinagar.
The most striking images of the National flag fluttering atop Hari Parbat-the highest citadel located on the west of world famous Dal Lake, caught the imagination of local residents and lensmen prompting them to capture it from different angles and locations in Srinagar.
Office of LT-Governor Manoj Sinha in a tweet said,"In a historic event to mark the celebrations of 75th Independence Day dedicated 100 feet high Tricolor flag at Shakti Peeth,Hari Parbat in Srinagar to the indomitable spirit of J&K.Proud initiative of Indian Army, Flag Foundation of India, Naveen Jindal,CRPF,SMC &people of UT".
A similar 100-feet tall tricolour was installed at world famous ski resort of Gulmarg earlier this week as a part of Independence Day celebration.
The clock tower located in the heart of Lal Chowk, the nerve centre of the city, was lit up in tricolour for the past several days. On Sunday, Mayor Junaid Azim Mattu led the celebrations at the iconic Lal Chowk and even danced on the beats of famous Kashmiri folk songs with artists.
Several other prominent buildings in the city and other parts of the valley, including Srinagar International Airport, Shankracharya temple have been illuminated to mark the Independence Day.
In South Kashmir district of Pulwama, Muzaffar Wani, the father of slain Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani, hoisted the national flag on the premises of the Government Girls Higher Secondary School in Tral.
Meanwhile, addressing the audience at the main function in Srinagar Lt-Governor Manoj Sinha said, "the “jungle raj” in Jammu and Kashmir ended on the “eve of 2020” and the grassroots level democracy was strengthened in the union territory by conduct of violence-free district development council (DDC) elections.
Referring to the Centre’s decision to revoke the special status of the erstwhile state, Sinha said in 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had marked the beginning of a new era for Jammu and Kashmir.The grass-roots democracy has been strengthened, fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the common citizens. With the spirit of Kashmiriyat i.e.taking along all religions and creeds on a development odyssey, we are achieving new milestones,” Sinha said in his Independence Day speech at Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket stadium in Srinagar.
Describing terrorism as a curse for peace and development, Sinha said the neighbouring country has been making a malicious attempt to instigate the youth, but a befitting reply would be given to those who mislead the youngsters through proxy war.
“We want to assure all citizens that whoever is trying to mislead the young people through proxy war, shall be given a befitting reply. The neighbouring country, which does not care for its own people, has been making a malicious attempt to instigate some of our youth,” he said.
The LG called upon such “misguided youngsters” that terrorism is a curse for peace and development.
“By misguiding you from the path of peace and progress, inimical forces are denying you the life of peace and dignity on this pious soil,” he said.
“With your ability, energy and unparalleled patience, Jammu and Kashmir shall have a prosperous future,” Sinha added.
The LG paid tributes to the brave soldiers of Army, paramilitary forces and Jammu and Kashmir Police “who have kept the unity, integrity of India intact with their amazing valour, courage and sacrifice”. “I am proud that Jammu and Kashmir Police has received 257 gallantry awards including Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra on the eve of Independence Day.
“I salute all the gallant heroes of Jammu and Kashmir Police. I also salute the family members of the bravehearts who sacrificed their lives while defending the sovereignty and integrity of the country,” he said.