Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Aug 16: The 79th Independence Day was celebrated across Kashmir division with a renewed spirit of patriotism and solidarity, commemorating the historic occasion and reflecting the region’s rich cultural heritage and the resilient spirit of its people.
ANANTNAG: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo hoisted the National Flag at Shaheed Himayun Muzammil Memorial Government Degree College Boys.
On the occasion, the Minister inspected the parade and took salute from the contingents of various wings of J&K Police, CRPF, NCC Cadets and school children who marched past the podium.
In her address on the occasion, the Minister said, “this freedom is very precious gift that has been achieved with great difficulty for which our elders and forefathers have given countless sacrifices”, adding “on this remarkable day we remember those great martyrs who have sacrificed their lives for the country and who have given us this freedom we are living today”.
The Minister further said, “this freedom of the nation reminds us that we should value our freedom and work together for the progress and prosperity of our country”, adding “we should respect the Constitution, laws and regulations of our country and work together on this”.
The Minister also remembered the contribution of Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah in keeping the people of Jammu and Kashmir united to build the dream of a new Jammu and Kashmir. She further highlighted that after the present Government came to power under the leadership of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, the trust of people and sense of security has been restored in these last nine months. She said that every kind of public infrastructure is being upgraded with particular focus on health sector.
DDC Chairman Anantnag, M Y Gorsi; MLA Anantnag, Peerzada Mohammad Syed; MLA Pahalgam, Altaf Ahmad Wani; MLA Bijbehara-Srigufwara, Dr. Bashir Ahmad Shah Veeri; MLA Anantnag East-Shangus, Reyaz Ahmad Khan; MLA Kokernag, Zaffar Ali Khatana; DIG South Kashmir Range, Javid Iqbal Mattoo; Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, Syeed Fakhrudin Hamid; SSP Anantnag, Amritpal Singh; senior officers of district administration, DDC members, large number of public and students were present on the occasion.
BARAMULLA: The day was celebrated with patriotic fervor at Professor Showkat Ali Sports Stadium where Minister for Agricultural Production, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Javid Ahmad Dar, hoisted the National Flag, inspected the parade and received the salute on March Past.
The parade was comprised of contingents from BSF, CRPF, J&K Police, Shastra Seema Bal, Home Guards, J&K Police Band, NCC cadets from Government Degree College Baramulla, Boys’ Higher Secondary Baramulla and various schools.
In his address to the gathering, the Minister extended Independence Day greetings to the people and paid tribute to the brave freedom fighters and martyrs who sacrificed everything to uphold the nation’s freedom and democracy.
The Minister highlighted the district’s significant achievements across various key sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, education, women and youth empowerment, Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), rural development, road connectivity, social welfare and self-employment initiatives.
Furthermore, the Minister emphasized that the Government’s core priority is to deliver transparent, accountable and people-centric governance with the aim of strengthening the overall economic fabric of Jammu and Kashmir.
On the occasion, the Indian Army had established a series of stalls under the “Know Your Army” campaign, offering the public a unique opportunity to witness an impressive display of their state-of-the-art weaponry, allowing the visitors to gain a closer insight into the army’s operational capabilities and technological advancements.
Member of the Legislative Assembly Baramulla, Javed Beigh, MLA Sopore, Irshad Ahmad Kar, MLA Pattan, Reyaz Bedar, MLA Uri, Dr. Sajad Ahmad, MLA Tangmarg, Farooq Ahmad Shah, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, Senior Superintendent of Police Baramulla, Gurinderpal Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Syed Altaf Hussain Mausvi, officers of the army and police, district and sectoral officers besides a huge gathering of people, participated in the celebrations.
GANDERBAL: The main function was held at Qamaria Stadium, where Chairperson District Development Council (DDC) Nuzhat Ishfaq hoisted the National Flag and took salute at the March Past. Contingents from J&K Police, JKP (Ladies), CRPF, SSB, PTS Manigam, SPO Ganderbal, Home Guard, Forest Protection Force, and students from various schools participated in the parade.
In her address, DDC Chairperson stated that Ganderbal is witnessing a new era of growth, with the district administration prioritizing public safety, doorstep delivery of services, women empowerment, enhanced healthcare, and avenues for socio-economic prosperity. She assured the people of the administration’s commitment to ensuring holistic progress and welfare across the district.
The Independence Day function was attended by Vice Chairperson DDC, Bilal Ahmad Sheikh; Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore; SSP Ganderbal, Khalil Ahmad Poswal; ADDC, ADC, DDC members, and a large gathering of officers, officials, besides citizens.
PULWAMA: The main function was held at the District Police Lines (DPL) where District Development Council (DDC) Chairperson, Syed Abdul Bari Andrabi, hoisted the National Flag and took the salute at the parade.
The event was attended by MLA Rajpora, Ghulam Mohi Uddin Mir; Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Dr. Basharat Qayoom; SSP Pulwama, P.D. Nitya; DDC Members; and senior officers from the Police, Army, Air Force, Paramilitary Forces and civil administration while senior citizens, families of martyrs, social activists, students, youth, civil society organizations and the general people in large numbers also attended the event.
The march-past featured contingents from JKP, JKAP, CRPF 182/183 BN, IRP 10th BN, Home Guards, Fire & Emergency Services, NCC Cadets and students from various schools.
In his address, Chairperson highlighted the district’s developmental progress. He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to equitable development, ensuring that every section of society benefits from Government schemes. He urged the people of Pulwama to work together in the spirit of unity and progress for a prosperous and self-reliant future.
KULGAM: The main Independence Day function was held at District Police Lines where Chairperson, District Development Council (DDC) Kulgam, M Afzal Parrey hoisted the National Flag and took the salute at the march past presented by the contingents of CRPF, JKP, JKP Ladies Police Group, District police band and Home-guard, NCC besides school children and other contingents.
DDC Vice Chairperson, Shazia Jan; Deputy Commissioner, Athar Aamir Khan; SSP Sahil Sarangal, Commandant CRPF, DDC members, ADDC, ADC and officers and officials from civil and police administration were present at the event, besides a large number of people from various areas of the district also attended the celebrations.
In his address, DDC highlighted the developmental scenario of the district and achievements registered by district administration in different sectors besides implementation of welfare schemes. He appreciated all departments for their efforts in effectively implementing various schemes and programmes.
KUPWARA: The main function was held at District Police Lines (DPL) where Chairman, District Development Council (DDC) Kupwara, Irfan Sultan Panditpori hoisted the National Flag, inspected the parade and took salute at March-past.
The parade was presented by contingents of CRPF, Women battalion of JKP, IRP, JKP, Home Guards, FPF, Special Commandos of police, NCC Cadets and school children who performed synchronized movements which reflected discipline and coordination, amid patriotic tunes played by JKP Band dressed in their ceremonial uniforms creating a dignified and inspiring atmosphere.
Vice Chairman DDC, Haji Farooq Ahmad Mir; Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Shrikant Balasaheb Suse, SSP Kupwara, Gulam Jeelani; ADDC Kupwara, Mufti Fareed ud Din; ADC Kupwara, Gulzar Ahmad, ACR, CPO, DDC Members, District officers, officials of all departments and large number of people from different areas were present during the function.
Addressing the function, Chairman highlighted various achievements and developments made by the district during the recent past. He said Kupwara was recently awarded the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence for being among the best performing districts of the country.
He expressed his delight over the sanctioning of Sadhna Tunnel by the Government which will provide all weather connectivity to the major border subdivision Karnah.
Earlier, the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Deputy Commissioner Kupwara and SSP Kupwara paid floral tribute at Martyr’s Memorial.
BANDIPORA: Chairperson, District Development Council (DDC) Abdul Gani Bhat hoisted the National Flag at S.K. Sports Stadium and took salute at the march past presented by contingents of CRPF, J&K Police, JKIRP, JKAP women’s wing, Fire & Emergency Services, SPOs, Home Guard, NCC, students, and the J&K Police Band Group.
MLA Bandipora, Nizamuddin Bhat; Principal District & Sessions Judge Bandipora, Khaleel Ahmad Choudhary; Vice-Chairperson DDC, Kowsar Shafeeq; Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Bandipora, Harmeet Singh, DDC members, senior officers from the civil and police administration, Army and paramilitary officials, and a large gathering of the public were present at the event.
In his address, Chairperson DDC highlighted the remarkable developmental progress in the district. He commended the efforts of district administration to promote tourism and improve governance in remote areas such as Gurez and Tulail, and highlighted advancements in healthcare, education, and rural infrastructure.
SHOPIAN: The Independence Day celebrations were held with patriotic zeal and enthusiasm across the district and the main function was held at District Police Lines (DPL) Shopian, where Chairperson, DDC Bilqees Jan hoisted the National Flag and inspected the parade.
DDC Chairperson took salute at an impressive march past presented by contingents of CRPF, J&K Police, JK Ladies Police, FPF, Home Guards, NCC cadets and school children.
Deputy Commissioner Shopian, Shishir Gupta; SSP, Anayat Ali Choudhary; Vice Chairperson, Irfan Manhas; ADDC, Dr. Nasir Ahmad; DDC members, district administration officers besides a large number of people were present.
In her address, DDC Chairperson reiterated administration’s commitment to transparent governance, speedy project execution, and citizen-centric service delivery. “Our vision is to make Shopian a model district in terms of infrastructure, social development and economic opportunities,” she added.
She further stated that Shopian district is progressing by leaps and bounds by the efforts of district administration.
BUDGAM: The main district-level function was held at Sports Stadium where the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dr Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat, who was the chief guest, hoisted the National Flag and took salute at the ceremonial march-past parade.
Contingents from CRPF, J&K Police, IRP, JKAP, JKHG, NCC, and various schools of the district participated, marching in perfect sync to patriotic tunes.
The celebration was attended by SSP Budgam, Nikhil Borkar; ADC Budgam, ASP Budgam, senior officers from Army and Paramilitary Forces, all district and sectoral officers, PRI members, and a large gathering of citizens.
In his address, DC highlighted the remarkable progress achieved across all sectors. He said that the district is witnessing historic transformation, with major projects being executed in record time and with uncompromising quality.
He reiterated that Budgam is on the path of sustainable and inclusive development, with the administration committed to ensuring that benefits of every Government scheme reach the last mile.
Earlier in the day, DC also hoisted the National Flag at DC residence, DC Office Complex Budgam, where officers and staff joined the celebrations.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
