77th Republic Day celebrated with enthusiasm, patriotic fervour across Kashmir division

DyCM inspecting Republic Day parade at Bakshi Stadium Srinagar. -Excelsior/Shakeel
DyCM inspecting Republic Day parade at Bakshi Stadium Srinagar. -Excelsior/Shakeel

DyCM unfurls National Flag at Srinagar; Sakeena, Javid at Anantnag, Baramulla

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Jan 27: The 77th Republic Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervour across Kashmir valley with a series of functions held at district level to commemorate the day. Unfurling of the National Flag was held amid impressive Parades and mega cultural events at all venues of functions organized at district, sub-division, tehsil and block levels across Kashmir.
SRINAGAR: The Republic Day celebrations kicked off with great pomp and enthusiasm at Bakshi Stadium where Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary unfurled the National Flag and took the ceremonial salute.
The event was marked by a coordinated parade featuring contingents from the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Armed Police Forces, NCC cadets and school children, showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage and developmental milestones.
Speaking on the occasion, the DyCM congratulated the security forces and the Indian Army for their unwavering vigilance and sacrifice in safeguarding the nation. He expressed special gratitude to the Jammu and Kashmir Police, acknowledging their 36-year-long fight against militancy and paying homage to the brave personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty. He emphasized that, besides maintaining security, there is a growing responsibility to eradicate the drug menace and protect the youth from drug addiction.
Paying tribute to the tourists killed in the Pahalgam attack, the DyCM said Pakistan has repeatedly attempted to harm Kashmir’s peace and tourism sector but asserted that such conspiracies will no longer succeed.
Appealing to the tourists from across the country and abroad, he said Kashmir today enjoys a peaceful atmosphere and is ready to welcome the visitors. “Come and witness the divine beauty of Paradise on Earth and experience the hospitality and brotherhood of Kashmir,” he said, assuring the tourists of a safe and home-like environment.
Highlighting the significance of Republic Day, the Dy CM said January 26 symbolizes pride, honour and patriotism, marking adoption of the Constitution of India in 1950 and establishment of India as a sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic republic.
Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, several Legislators, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, IGP Kashmir; Administrative Secretaries, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, senior officers of Police and Civil administration, heads of various departments, Government officials and large number of people and school children were also present on the occasion.
Earlier, the Dy CM also paid floral tribute to the martyrs at Balidan Stambh.

Minister Sakeena Itoo felicitating students at Anantnag.
Minister Sakeena Itoo felicitating students at Anantnag.

ANANTNAG: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo unfurled the National Flag at Shaheed Himayun Muzzamil Memorial Government Degree College Boys.
She inspected the parade and took salute from the contingents of CRPF, J&K Police, Home Guards, J&K Police Band, Fire & Emergency Services, NCC and students of various schools.
In her address, Minister highlighted the significance of Republic Day, adding that on this day Constitution was implemented in India and our country became a democratic nation.
She also said that this supreme day makes us to remember that the original power lies in public rather than any institution or person.
The Minister, in her address, highlighted the key achievements of the Government during the past 15 months, stating that focused governance, people-centric policies, and transparent administration have strengthened public service delivery across sectors, particularly in health, education, social welfare, R&B and others. She remarked that J&K is witnessing a new dawn of development in every sector since this Government led by Omar Abdullah took over.
The Minister also spoke on the developmental milestones of district Anantnag across education, healthcare, agriculture, rural development, women and youth empowerment and infrastructural growth under different schemes.
MLAs Altaf Ahmad Wani, Riyaz Ahmad Khan, Abdul Majeed Larmi, Zaffar Ali Khatana, Peerzada Feroz; Chairman District Development Council M Y Gorsi; Deputy Commissioner Anantnag SF Hamid; DIG SKR, SSP Anantnag, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioners (Revenue and Development), officers from the Army and paramilitary forces, a large gathering of local residents, students and officials was present on the occasion.
BARAMULLA: The Republic Day celebrations unfolded with great fervor at District Police Lines Baramulla, with Minister for Agricultural Production, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives, and Elections, Javid Ahmad Dar, unfurling the National Flag, inspecting the parade and taking the ceremonial salute.
The impressive parade featured contingents from BSF, CRPF, J&K police, SSB, IRP, Armed Police Ladies, and the J&K Police Band, alongside NCC cadets from Government Degree College Baramulla, Boys’ Higher Secondary Baramulla and various schools and colleges, showcasing the region’s patriotic spirit and unity.
The Minister paid tribute to the visionary leaders instrumental in shaping our constitution. He also offered homage to the brave freedom fighters and martyrs who sacrificed everything to uphold the nation’s freedom and democracy.
Javid Dar highlighted the district’s notable progress across a wide range of key sectors, including agriculture, healthcare and education, along with impactful initiatives in women and youth empowerment, road connectivity, social welfare, self-employment and other avenues of holistic development.
Member Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Sopore, Irshad Ahmad Kar, MLA Wagoora-Kreeri, Irfan Hafiz Lone, MLA Uri, Sajad Ahmad, MLA Gulmarg, Farooq Ahmad Shah, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, Senior Superintendent of Police Baramulla, Gurinderpal Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Altaf Hussain Musvi, officers of Army and Police, district and sectoral officers, heads of different departments besides a huge gathering of people participated in Republic Day celebrations.
BANDIPORA: The Republic Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm, patriotic fervour and mass public participation across the district. The main function was held at S.K. Stadium where Chairperson, District Development Council (DDC), Bandipora, Abdul Gani Bhat, unfurled the National Tricolour, inspected the ceremonial parade and took the salute from the marching contingents.
The flag unfurling ceremony was attended by MLA Bandipora, Nizamuddin Bhat; Principal District & Sessions Judge, Bandipora, Jeema Bashir; Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib; SSP Bandipora, Ajaz Ahmad Zargar; Vice Chairperson DDC, Kousar Shafeeq; DDC Members; Additional Deputy Commissioner; senior officers of the judiciary, district administration and police, senior citizens and a large gathering of the general public.
Addressing the gathering, the Chairperson DDC highlighted the historic and democratic significance of Republic Day and reflected on the steady developmental progress achieved in the district over the years. He outlined key initiatives undertaken in sectors such as infrastructure development, education, healthcare and social welfare, and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment towards inclusive growth, transparent governance and improved public service delivery.
KULGAM: The day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervour across Kulgam, with the main function held at the District Police Lines (DPL) where Chairperson, District Development Council (DDC) Mohammad Afzal Parrey unfurled the National Flag and took the salute at an impressive March Past.
The event was attended by Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, Athar Aamir Khan, SSP Kulgam Anayat Ali Choudhary, DDC members, senior officers from the civil and police administration and a large gathering of enthusiastic citizens.
Addressing the gathering, the DDC Chairperson highlighted the significance of Republic Day, marking the adoption of the Constitution of India and the nation’s transition to a Republic in 1950. He enumerated the major developmental strides made in the district across key sectors including education, healthcare, agriculture and allied sectors, infrastructure development, and women and youth empowerment.
He elaborated on various development initiatives undertaken for the progress and prosperity of the people and stated that Kulgam has registered significant achievements across multiple priority areas and schemes such as District Capex, MGNREGA, Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), HADP, PMAY-G, sports, and other sectors.
On the occasion, colourful cultural programmes presented by students and local artists, including songs and skits, added vibrancy to the celebrations and enthralled the audience.
KUPWARA: The Republic Day was celebrated across the frontier district with great enthusiasm and fervour. The main function was held at District Police Lines where Chairperson, District Development Council (DDC) Kupwara, Irfan Sultan Panditpori unfurled the National Flag, inspected the parade and took salute at march-past presented by contingents of JKP, JKAP, CRPF, IRP, Home Guards, FPF, Special Commandos, Police Band, and school children.
Chairperson DDC, Haji Farooq Ahmad Mir; Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Shrikant Suse; SSP Kupwara, Syed Al-Tahir Gilani; ADDC Kupwara, Mufti Fareed ud Din; ADC Kupwara, Gulzar Ahmad Khan; DDC Members, Police Officers, Army Officers, District officers, officials of all departments, people from different areas, besides students from different educational institutions were present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, the Chairperson DDC appealed to people to work together for promoting national integration, communal harmony and peace in the district. The Chairperson said that development of all sections of the society especially rural and far-flung areas remains the top most priority of the Government and District Administration. He highlighted various measures taken by the District Administration Kupwara for the overall development of the district.
PULWAMA: The day was celebrated with great patriotic fervour and community spirit at the District Police Lines (DPL), where people from all walks of life gathered to commemorate the historic occasion with enthusiasm and pride. District Development Council (DDC) Chairperson, Syed Abdul Bari Andrabi unfurled the National Flag and took the salute at the march-past, symbolising the district’s unwavering commitment to the ideals of the Constitution and the nation.
The event was attended by Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Dr. Basharat Qayoom; SSP Pulwama, Tanushree, and senior officers from the Police, Army, Air Force, Paramilitary Forces and Civil Administration. Senior citizens, families of martyrs, social activists, students, youth, members of civil society organisations and a large number of the general public also participated in the celebrations.
While, among the elected representatives, MLA Rajpora, Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Mir; Vice Chairperson DDC, and other DDC members were present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, the DDC Chairperson, highlighted the key developmental initiatives and welfare measures undertaken in the district. In a touching gesture of gratitude, families of martyrs from the Police and Paramilitary Forces, along with Next of Kin (NoKs) of victims of terrorism, were also felicitated, honouring their supreme sacrifice and unwavering commitment to the nation’s security.
GANDERBAL: The day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and patriotic zeal across the district with the main function held at Qamaria Stadium. Chairperson, District Development Council (DDC) Ganderbal, Nuzhat Ishfaq, unfurled the National Flag and took the salute.
In her address, DDC Chairperson highlighted the historical significance of January 26, marking the adoption of the Constitution of India in 1950. She also outlined major developmental achievements recorded across sectors in the district and the effective implementation of welfare schemes during the current financial year. Emphasising that India stands as one of the world’s most successful democracies, she said Jammu and Kashmir, including Ganderbal district, has entered a new era of growth with renewed focus on all-round development.
The Chairperson highlighted key priorities of the administration, including public safety, enhanced service delivery, women empowerment, improved public health, and creation of new livelihood avenues.
The event was attended by Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore, as Guest of Honour; SSP Ganderbal, Khalil Ahmad Poswal; ADDC Manzoor Ahmad, DDC members, and senior officers of the district administration and police.

DDC Chairperson Shopian taking salute from marching contingent.
DDC Chairperson Shopian taking salute from marching contingent.

SHOPIAN: The Republic Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and patriotic zeal at the District Police Lines (DPL) where DDC, Chairperson, Shopian, Bilqees Jan unfurled the National Flag, took salute on march past and inspected the parade comprising of J&K Police, CRPF, Home Guards, Forest Protection Force, J&K Police Women’s wing and student continents of various educational institutions.
Principal District and Sessions Judge, Mehmood Ahmad Chowdhary; Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shopian, Shishir Gupta, SSP, Shopian, Mushtaq Ahmad Choudhary, DDC members of the district, officers of Military and Paramilitary forces, district administration and officials along with public from various spheres of life attended the function.
In her address, the DDC Chairperson paid glowing tribute to the freedom fighters and martyrs who made supreme sacrifices, laid down their lives for the sovereignty and unity of the nation. She also highlighted the values of democracy, unity and equality enshrined in the Constitution of India and called upon the citizens to actively participate in nation-building and developmental initiatives.
The celebrations also featured vibrant cultural programmes showcasing talent of school going children, followed by a felicitation ceremony to honour meritorious individuals for their outstanding contributions.
BUDGAM: The Republic Day functions were held with much fanfare and enthusiasm across the district. The main function was held at Sports Stadium where Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dr Bilal Mohi-ud-din Bhat unfurled the National Flag and took salute at the march-past.
Speaking on the occasion, the DC paid glowing tribute to all freedom fighters for their selfless sacrifices for freedom of the country from Britishers. He also deliberated upon the ongoing development scenario of the district and said that the district Budgam is touching new heights with active participation of people in government initiatives.
Among others, SSP Budgam, Nikhil Borkar, DDC members and other senior officers from Civil, Police and Paramilitary departments participated in the program.