DyCM unfurls Tricolour at Srinagar, Sakina & Dar at Anantnag, Baramulla
*In 7 other districts, DDC Chairpersons lead celebrations
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Jan 27: The 76th Republic Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervour across Kashmir valley yesterday with a series of functions held at district level to commemorate the day.
In Srinagar district, Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, unfurled the National Flag at Bakshi Stadium. He inspected the parade and took salute from the contingents of JKP, BSF, CRPF, JKAP, SSB, ITBP, IRP, Women, Forest Protection Force and NCC.
In his address, Deputy Chief Minister reiterated the demand of restoration of Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and appealed the Prime Minister and Home Minister to fulfill their commitment of restoring Statehood to J&K.
Surinder Choudhary said that the present Government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is committed to fulfill the promises made during the election campaign. He said that all out efforts will be made to safeguard the interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir besides creating employment avenues for the unemployed youth.
He highlighted the significance of Constitution of India in establishing framework for country’s governance, protecting citizen rights and upholding democracy. He said secularism is foundation of India and Constitution provides everyone the opportunity to live with dignity and honour. He recalled that during partition period Mahatma Gandhi saw only ray of hope for India in Jammu and Kashmir as people here are peace loving and ambassadors of mutual brotherhood.
Surinder Choudhary also spoke about the Kashmiri Migrant Pandits saying that proactive steps are being taken up for their dignified return to their homes.
On the occasion, colourful cultural programme was also presented by the artists of J&K Academy of Art Culture and Languages and school and college students in the form of patriotic song and other items which mesmerized the audiences.
National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah, several Legislators, prominent citizens and people in large numbers attended the event. 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.

-Excelsior/Sajad Dar
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, 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, Sakina Itoo paid rich tribute to the martyrs and freedom fighters whose sacrifices enabled India to thrive as a free nation. She expressed pride in witnessing the country’s progress and achievements.
“History is witness to the remarkable development our country witnessed from last 70 years. Jammu and Kashmir, despite witnessing some turbulent times, also went through this cycle of development”, Sakina Itoo stated.
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.
The celebrations featured colorful cultural performances by students from various educational institutions, reflecting the spirit of patriotism. The event concluded with the distribution of prizes for the best march past contingents and cultural performances. Several employees from various departments were also felicitated for their exemplary public service.
The event was graced by MLAs Peer Zada Mohammad Syeed, Dr Bashir Ahmad Veeri, Altaf Ahmad Wani, Riyaz Ahmad Khan, 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.

BARAMULLA: The Republic Day celebrations were marked by patriotic zeal and enthusiasm at the District Police Lines where Javed Ahmad Dar, Minister for Agricultural Production, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives and Elections, hoisted the National Flag, inspected the parade and received salute on march past.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister paid tribute to the visionary leaders instrumental in shaping our Constitution and the brave freedom fighters and martyrs who sacrificed everything to uphold nation’s freedom and democracy.
He highlighted district’s significant achievements across various key sectors including agriculture, healthcare, education, women and youth empowerment, the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), rural development, road connectivity, social welfare, and self-employment initiatives.
During the event, students from different schools showcased a range of cultural programs highlighting the region’s rich cultural diversity and heritage.
Meanwhile, beautifully crafted tableau showcasing the achievements under the Holistic Agricultural Development Program (HADP) was put on display highlighting the transformative impact of the program on the agricultural sector in the district.
Member Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Baramulla, Javaid Beigh; MLA Sopore, Irshad Ahmad Kar; MLA Wagoora-Kreeri, Irfan Hafiz Lone; MLA Uri, Sajad Ahmad; Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Minga Sherpa; Additional Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Zahoor Ahmad Raina; officers of Army, Police and District administrations, heads of different departments besides a huge gathering of people participated in Republic Day celebrations.
BUDGAM: The main Republic Day function was held at Sports Stadium where Chairman, District Development Council (DDC), Budgam, Nazir Ahmad Khan unfurled the National Flag and took salute at the march-past.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chairman paid glowing tribute to the Constitution of India and also to all freedom fighters for their selfless sacrifices. 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.
The Chairman also focused on the active and proactive role of District Administration Budgam and for its tireless efforts in ensuring speedy completion of infrastructure projects across the district.
On the occasion, various artists and school children presented various colourful cultural programs enthralling the audience.
Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Akshay Labroo, SSP Budgam, Nikhil Borkar, DDC members and other senior officers from Civil, Police and Paramilitary departments participated in the program.
The Republic Day functions were also held at Sub Divisional, Block and Tehsil level across the district Budgam.

GANDERBAL: District Development Council (DDC) Chairperson, Nuzhat Ishfaq, unfurled the National Flag and took the ceremonial salute from the contingents participating in the march past at Qamaria Ground.
In her address, DDC Chairperson lauded the importance of Republic Day celebration and highlighted the various developmental achievements registered by district administration in different sectors in the district besides implementation of welfare schemes.
Highlighting the developmental activities in the district, she said that a new era of development has begun in Jammu and Kashmir as well as in Ganderbal district and new paths are being paved for all-round development.
A series of cultural programs were presented by the students who showcased their talent through patriotic songs, traditional dances and other performances, which captivated the audience and celebrated the rich cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.
The event was witnessed by Deputy Commissioner, Shyambir, SSP Ganderbal, Ragav S; ADC, Gulzar Ahmad; DDC members, besides various officers and officials from Police and District Administration.
PULWAMA: The main venue District Police Lines reverberated with patriotic fervor and community spirit as distinguished guests, officials and citizens came together to commemorate the occasion.
The event was graced by the presence of DDC Chairperson, Syed Abdul Bari Andrabi as the chief guest, who unfurled the National Flag and took the salute at an impressive march past, symbolizing the unwavering patriotic zeal.
The event witnessed the presence of thousands of enthusiastic and joyful residents of the district including youth, children, senior citizens and women and people from different walks of life.
Among the elected representatives, MLA Rajpora Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Mir, Vice Chairman DDC and other DDC members also participated.
DC Pulwama, Dr. Basharat Qayoom, SSP Pulwama PD Nitya and several other senior officers and officials took part in the celebrations.
Speaking on the occasion, DDC Chairperson highlighted the commendable progress and development milestones achieved by district Pulwama, underscoring its unwavering commitment to excellence across diverse domains.
The cultural extravaganza unfolded with mesmerizing performances by local artists, police personnel and school children, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of Pulwama.
KULGAM: The main function was held at District Police Lines where Chairperson, District Development Council (DDC) Kulgam, Mohammad Afzal Parrey unfurled the National Flag and took salute at the march past presented by the contingents of CRPF, JKP, JKP ladies police group, Home guard, NCC cadets, students etc.
Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, Athar Aamir Khan; SSP, Sahil Sarangal; DDC members, ADDC besides officers from civil and police administration and people in large numbers participated in the programme.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairperson DDC said that Republic Day marks the adoption of India’s Constitution and the country’s transition to a republic on January 26, 1950. He highlighted the achievements made by the district under various priority areas including education, healthcare, district capex, agriculture and allied sectors, women and youth empowerment, MGNREGA, JJM, sports and other fields.
He also deliberated on various development initiatives undertaken in the district for the progress and prosperity of the people.
On the occasion, local artists and students presented various scintillating cultural items like songs, skits etc which enthralled the audience.
SHOPIAN: Amid great fervor and gaiety and wondrous display of unity and cultural prowess, 76th Republic Day was celebrated at DPL here. Chairperson, District Development Council (DDC) Shopian, Bilqees Jan unfurled the Tricolour and inspected the parade at an impressive show of strength and cohesion.
The Chairperson took salute at the march past presented by the contingents of JKP, JKAP, CRPF, Fire & Emergency, Forest Guards, Homeguards, NCC and students from different schools of the district.
The DDC Chairperson, in her address, highlighted the developmental progress of the district and emphasised the need for taking efforts for district development.
Cherishing the occasion of Republic Day while remembering the sacrifices of freedom fighters, constitution makers and sacrifices of countless heroes must inspire us to tread on a path of unity & fraternity, equality and compassion, mentioned the DDC Chairperson.
On the occasion, scintillating Kashmiri and tribal cultural performances, patriotic songs, dramatic shows and singing performances were presented by the students featuring varied art performances depicting the rich cultural norms of the society amidst an exhibition of patriotism.
Deputy Commissioner, Shopian, Mohammad Shahid Saleem Dar, District Principal & Sessions Judge, Mehmood Ahmad Chowdhary, SSP, Anayat Ali, ADDC, Shopian, Dr Nasir Ahmad Lone, DDC VC, Irfan Manhas, DDC Members, CO CRPF, officers of Army, Para military, Police and district administration were also present on the occasion.
BANDIPORA: Chairman, District Development Council (DDC), Abdul Gani Bhat unfurled the National Flag at S K Stadium, inspected the parade and took the salute from the contingents of CRPF 3rd Battalion, JKP Executive Wing, IRP 21 Battalion, JKP Women Battalion, Fire and Emergency Services SPOs, NCC Cadets, students from various Government and private schools.
The flag unfurling ceremony was attended by MLA Nizamudin Bhat, Principal District and Session Judge, Khalil Ahmad Choudhary; Deputy Commissioner, M.A.Qadri; SSP, Harmeet Singh; Vice Chairperson DDC Kousar Shafeeq, DDC Members, ADDC, ADC, senior officers from Judiciary, District Administration, Police, Senior Citizens and large gathering of general Public.
In his speech, Chairman DDC emphasized the remarkable progress the district has made in different sectors. He highlighted various developmental initiatives undertaken by the district administration, focusing on improvements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and overall public welfare.
The event also featured a series of cultural programs showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Bandipora. Performances by students depicted the traditional folk music and dance filling the atmosphere with festive zeal.
KUPWARA: The main function was held at District Police Lines where Chairman, District Development Council (DDC) 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.
Vice Chairman DDC, Haji Farooq Ahmad Mir; Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Ayushi Sudan ; SSP Kupwara, Gulam Jeelani; ADC Kupwara, M Rouf Rehman; 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.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairman DDC highlighted the importance of the Republic Day. He appealed to people to work together for promoting national integration, communal harmony and peace in the district.
The Chairman 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.
