The 76th Republic Day celebrations passed off peacefully across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday amid tight security arrangements.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha unfurled the National Flag at the UT-level function here at MA Stadium while a series of functions were held across the Kashmir division with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervor to mark the day.
Meanwhile, impressive Parades and mega-cultural events were organized across district headquarters, sub-division, tehsil and block levels across Jammu Kashmir. Indian army formations, stationed at different locations also unfurled the tricolor to mark the Republic Day celebrations.
Earlier, the Lieutenant Governor laid a wreath at the Police Martyrs Memorial & Balidan Stambh and paid tributes to the valiant martyrs of the Police, Army, and CAPFs who made the supreme sacrifice for the motherland.
In his Republic Day address to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, LG Sinha asserted that the Government of India was implementing a “whole of government approach” to eliminate co-terror networks and drug syndicates, ensuring that future generations were freed from the vicious cycle of drug addiction.
He said it was a collective responsibility to maintain peace and harmony, ensuring that the dreams of J&K youth were not hindered by divisive forces.
Referring to the successful completion of the Udhampur Srinagar Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, LG Manoj Sinha said, “In a historic stride towards progress, the Railway is set to connect the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the nation, heralding a new era of development, economic growth, and unity.”
Giving credit to J&K citizens for the successful conduct of assembly elections, underscoring the positive change for the future of Jammu and Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor said that the people were looking to the Government with renewed expectations, aspiring for an environment that promoted meaningful employment, sustainable development, social inclusivity, and robust economic growth – paving the way for an enhanced quality of life for all.
For further strengthening and ensuring people’s participation at a broader level, elections for Local Bodies would be conducted for establishing a 3-tier governance structure, he announced.
Pointing out that J&K made significant strides in industrial development, investment, and employment generation in recent years, LG Sinha said that new policies, including the J&K Export Policy, J&K Logistic Policy, and J&K Procurement Preferences Policy for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), were under preparation to further boost economic growth.
In Srinagar, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary on Sunday said that the promises made by the Omar Abdullah-led government will be fulfilled in a phased manner.
In his Republic Day speech at Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar Deputy Chief Minister said that the promises made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders on the floor of the house regarding the restoration of statehood and protection of lands and jobs for the people of J&K, must be fulfilled now.