Ministers unfurl Tricolour in Jammu, Kathua, Poonch
*DDC Chairpersons lead main functions in other districts
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 16: The nation’s 79th Independence Day was celebrated with fervour and gaiety across the Jammu region yesterday with Ministers hoisting the National Flag at Jammu, Kathua and Poonch and District Development Council (DDC) Chairpersons at headquarters of other districts.
JAMMU: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary unfurled the National Flag at MA Stadium, inspected the Parade and took the ceremonial salute. The Parade consisted of total 32 smart contingents from BSF, CRPF, SSB, IRP (Women & Male), J&K Police, JKAP, SDRF, J&K Fire and Emergency Services, J&K Forest Protection Force, NCC (Boys and Girls), several Government and private schools contingents, Brass & Pipe Bands of BSF, J&K Armed Police and Band Troops (Girl & Boys) of different schools.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister said, “Independence Day reminds us of the sacrifices of our brave ancestors and the struggle of our freedom fighters”. He expressed gratitude towards the martyrs who sacrificed their lives to bring the light of freedom to the nation.
Highlighting the Government’s achievements recorded in past 10 months, the Dy CM informed that 46 new industrial estates have started in Jammu and Kashmir and new factories are coming up in areas like Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Pulwama and Budgam. Likewise, the Government has formulated a Local Employment Policy so that the youth of J&K have the first right in the newly set up factories.
He said that the Government has given GI tag to Kashmiri Pashmina, Kani Shawl and Walnut Wood carving, along with Solai Honey of Ramban, Kaladi of Ramnagar, Guchchi Mushroom of Doda, Basmati of Jammu, Rajma of Bhaderwah and Saffron of Kishtwar and in Handicraft, Chakri Kala Rajouri, Basohli Pashmina Shawl and Basohli Paintings.
Regarding youth empowerment, the Dy CM emphasized that the Government will provide skill training to more and more youth through Mission Yuva. After the training, they will be given subsidized loans to start their business so that they do not have to just search for a job but they can become a source of employment for their city and village.
KATHUA: The day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and national spirit at Sports Stadium where National Flag was hoisted by Transport Minister Satish Sharma, who also took salute at the impressive march past presented by the contingents of J&K Police, IRP, CRPF, Forest Protection Force, NCC cadets and school children.
MLA Kathua Dr Bharat Bhushan, DDC Chairman Col (Retd) Mahan Singh, Vice Chairman DDC Raghunandan Singh, Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma, SSP Kathua Shobhit Saxena, DDC members, ex-servicemen, prominent citizens and a large gathering of students and locals were present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister paid rich tribute to the countless freedom fighters, soldiers and citizens who laid down their lives for the country’s independence. He recalled the contributions of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Bhagat Singh, Mahatma Gandhi and other national leaders whose courage and determination laid the foundation of a democratic and sovereign India.
Highlighting the developmental journey of Jammu & Kashmir, the Minister said that UT is witnessing a new era of peace, development and opportunity. He underlined the Government’s initiatives in technology, agriculture, healthcare, youth empowerment and infrastructure, including the shift to indigenous 5G and upcoming 6G technology, solar power projects, biotechnology parks, Khelo India Centres and modern urban amenities including Kathua Water Front in the district.
The Minister urged the citizens to uphold the values of unity, dignity and justice and contribute towards building Viksit Bharat, a developed and self-reliant India. The programme culminated with felicitation of the participants and outstanding achievers of the district followed by National Anthem by the winners of DIPR competitions.
POONCH: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, hoisted the National Flag at the Sports Stadium during a magnificent ceremony that radiated patriotic fervour across the district.
The celebrations were graced by DDC Chairperson Tazeem Akhter, Deputy Commissioner Poonch Ashok Kumar Sharma and Senior Superintendent of Police Poonch Shafket Hussain Bhat, along with DDC Members Abdul Ghani and Riaz Naz besides PRIs, senior district officials, representatives of the armed forces, civil society members, students and citizens from all corners of the district.
The Minister inspected the ceremonial parade and took the salute, upholding the rich traditions and spirit of the national celebration.
Paying homage to the indomitable spirit and supreme sacrifices of the freedom fighters, the Minister urged everyone to reaffirm their collective commitment to the ideals they valiantly championed. He lauded Poonch’s illustrious legacy of courage and resilience, noting that the district continues to embody the spirit of unity and fortitude in the shared endeavour to build a stronger, more inclusive and equitable India.
He emphasized the pivotal role played by the people of Poonch in safeguarding the national unity and enriching India’s democratic ethos. He reiterated the commitment of the Omar Abdullah-led Government to environmental sustainability, the holistic development of tribal communities and ensuring the water security through robust initiatives under the Jal Shakti Mission
DODA: The main event was held at the Sports Stadium where the Tricolour was hoisted by Chairman of the District Development Council (DDC), Dhananter Singh Kotwal.
The ceremony began with school students singing the National Anthem, followed by a grand salute to the impressive parade contingents of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indian Reserve Police (IRP), Jammu and Kashmir Police, J&K Women Police, NCC Senior and Junior Wings, Home Guards, Forest Protection Force and contingents from various Government and private schools.
The event was graced by Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Doda, Mehraj Malik, Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh, SSP Sandeep Kumar Mehta, Vice Chairperson DDC Sangeeta Rani, district officers, leaders of various political parties, social activists, senior citizens and officials from different Government departments.
In his address, Dhananter Singh Kotwal paid rich tribute to the freedom fighters whose sacrifices secured India’s independence. Highlighting developmental achievements, the DDC Chairman informed that nearly 90% of projects in the district have been completed. He also emphasised landmark initiatives such as the electrification of Jai Valley, the successful hosting of the Bhal Padhri Festival, and the renovation of the Sports Stadium, Indoor Stadium and Government Medical College (GMC) Doda.
SAMBA: The day was celebrated with resplendent patriotic zeal and spirited public participation at the historic Rani Suchet Singh Stadium. The occasion was graced by District Development Council (DDC) Chairman, Keshav Dutt Sharma, who ceremoniously hoisted the National Flag, followed by a dignified salute to the parade commander and the impeccably turned-out contingents.
The DDC Chairman then inspected the parade formations, which exemplified the discipline, precision and unwavering commitment of the participants. In his address, Keshav Dutt Sharma paid glowing tribute to the supreme sacrifices of India’s legendary freedom fighters. He lauded their indomitable courage and steadfast dedication to the cause of independence, exhorting citizens to imbibe their ideals.
Emphasising the imperatives of unity, harmony and collective responsibility in nation-building, he called upon the youth to be proactive in developmental endeavours, environmental stewardship and the advancement of education. He further reaffirmed the administration’s unwavering resolve to strengthen infrastructure, enhance public service delivery and ensure equitable growth across the district.
Deputy Commissioner Samba, Ayushi Sudan, commended the collective efforts of all departments in orchestrating a seamless and grand celebration. The celebrations were attended by a distinguished gathering of dignitaries, including SSP Virender Singh Manhas, ADDC Champa Devi, ADC Jagdish Singh and ACR Ajay Bharti along with the GM DIC, CPO, CEO, Heads of Departments from various line departments, representatives from security agencies, school students, media personnel and an enthusiastic public.
UDHAMPUR: The main function was held at Government PG Degree College, Boys where District Development Council Chairman, Udhampur, Lal Chand, was the chief guest. He hoisted the National Flag and took the salute from an impressive march past of 32 contingents drawn from J&K Police, SKPA, District Police, Home Guards, NCC and other Civil troops, in addition to the Police Band.
DDC Vice Chairperson, Juhi Manhas Pathania, DIG Udhampur-Reasi Range, Sarah Rizvi, Deputy Commissioner Udhampur, Saloni Rai, Senior Superintendent of Police, Amod Ashok Nagpure, Additional District Development Commissioner, Rajinder Singh, DDC members, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Prem Singh, senior officers from the District Administration, Police, Indian Army, Air Force, CRPF, ITBP and BSF, besides prominent citizens of the district, attended the programme.
While extending heartiest greetings to everyone on the occasion, the District Development Council Chairman said, “this is a day of great significance, reminding us of the struggles and sacrifices of our forefathers who bravely fought against colonial rule to give us the precious treasure of freedom”, adding “today, we stand together, proud citizens of India, celebrating not only our nation’s past achievements but also its ongoing journey toward progress and development”.
He said that Udhampur district is reaping the fruits of development, as a number of major development projects and schemes are on the verge of completion.
REASI: The main function was held at General Zorawar Singh Sports Stadium where DDC Chairperson Saraf Singh Nag unfurled the National Flag and took the salute at an impressive march past.
Prominent dignitaries, including Member Legislative Assembly Reasi, Kuldeep Raj Dubey, Member Legislative Assembly Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Baldev Raj Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Reasi, Nidhi Malik, Vice Chairperson DDC Reasi, Sajra Qadir, SSP Reasi, Paramvir Singh, ADDC, Sukhdev Singh Samyal, ADC, Rakesh Kumar and other senior officers graced the occasion with their presence.
A total of 19 contingents from Jammu and Kashmir Police, NCC cadets, and school students participated in the march past, accompanied by stirring patriotic tunes from brass and pipe bands.
In his address, DDC Chairperson extended heartfelt greetings to the people and saluted their patriotic spirit, calling it the true strength of the district. He paid rich tribute to freedom fighters and martyrs while also highlighting the district’s achievements in infrastructure, education, rural development and public welfare.
On the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner also congratulated the people on Independence Day and reiterated the administration’s commitment to ensuring inclusive development, good governance and public welfare in the district. She also commended the march past contingents for their excellent displays.
RAMBAN: The day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervour at the District Police Lines (DPL) where Chairperson District Development Council Ramban, Dr Shamshad Shan hoisted the National Tricolour and took the salute from the contingents participating in the march past.
Member Legislative Assembly Ramban, Advocate Arjun Singh Raju, Deputy Commissioner, Mohammad Alyas Khan, SSP, Arun Gupta, SSP Traffic, Raja Adil Hamed, ADC, Varunjeet Singh Charak, DPO ICDS, Jahangir Hashmi, senior officers of the Civil and Police administration and prominent citizens attended the function. Vice-Chairperson DDC Ramban, Rabia Beigh and DDC members were among the distinguished guests.
In her address, Dr Shamshad Shan paid homage to the freedom fighters and martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation’s independence. She stressed the values of unity, integrity and patriotism, urging the youth to play an active role in the nation’s development.
She also highlighted major developmental projects completed in the district over the past year, along with newly sanctioned projects and listed the achievements of various departments under different schemes.
KISHTWAR: The day was observed at historic Chowgan Ground, Kishtwar, with a sense of solidarity and respect, in view of the tragic cloudburst incident that occurred on August 14th in the Chishoti area of Block Paddar.
The ceremony was led by the Chairperson, District Development Council (DDC) Kishtwar, Pooja Thakur, who hoisted the National Flag, inspected the ceremonial parade and took the salute from the marching contingents comprising JK Police, JKAP, CRPF, Home Guards and NCC cadets.
In her address, the DDC Chairperson expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the tragic incident and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. She assured that the District Administration is fully committed to providing all possible support to the affected families during this difficult time.
In the wake of the recent tragedy, the observance of Independence Day was held with due reverence and simplicity, reaffirming the ideals of solidarity, perseverance and compassion.
RAJOURI: The main function was held at the District Police Lines (DPL) ground. The highlight of the celebration was the unfurling of the National Flag by the District Development Council (DDC) Chairperson, Advocate Chowdhary Naseem Liyaqat, who also took the ceremonial salute. The impressive parade featured contingents from JKAP, JK Executive Police, JK Police Band, CRPF, JK FPF, Home Guard and NCC (senior boys and girls).
Among the dignitaries present were Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma; DIG Rajouri-Poonch, Tejinder Singh; SSP Rajouri, Gaurav Sikarwar; ADC Rajouri, Chander Prakash; Principal GMC Rajouri, Dr. Amar Jeet Singh; ACR, Mohd Jhangir Khan; ACD, Auqil Nuvaid; DDE, Mohd Nawaz Choudhary; SE PWD/Hydraulics; DSEO, Sandeep Sharma; district officers, prominent citizens and thousands of people who braved the rainy morning to witness the grand celebrations.
Speaking on the occasion, the DDC Chairperson underlined the historical significance of Independence Day. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the district’s all-round development, highlighting progress in road infrastructure, healthcare, education, rural connectivity, electricity and water supply to remote villages and social security measures for senior citizens, differently-abled persons and widows. He also stressed on self-employment schemes aimed at empowering local youth.
“The District Development Council is working tirelessly with the administration to ensure holistic development across Rajouri,” Advocate Liyaqat stated, adding that transparency, accountability, responsiveness and efficiency remain the cornerstones of governance in the district.
A felicitation ceremony followed, honouring officers and officials for their exemplary services during Operation Sindoor and their contributions to the district’s development and welfare.
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