Srinagar, Aug 13: While inviting people to attend the Independence Day celebrations, the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, V.K. Bidhuri, today said that identity cards will serve as invitation passes to the venue.
Speaking to reporters after attending the full-dress rehearsal — in the run-up to the main event on August 15 — at Bakshi Stadium, Bidhuri said Independence Day is a national festival celebrated with fervour and enthusiasm.
“Everyone is invited, and there are no restrictions, as your question always remains. We are celebrating a festival; your I-card will be your invitation card to attend the celebrations at the venue. It is an open invitation for all,” he said.
At Balidan Stambh — which he visited early in the morning before proceeding to Bakshi Stadium, and offered floral tributes to the martyrs of the nation — Bidhuri reiterated that, as in the previous year, everyone is invited, urging people to be on time to enjoy kehwa and shirmal.
“Last year, it was raining, but people still ensured their participation. This year as well, we expect people to attend the celebration. Early arrival will ensure kehwa and shirmal, as well as space to sit,” he said.
Bidhuri hoisted the National Flag at Bakshi Stadium, inspected the parade contingents, took the salute at the march past, and addressed the participants.
The Divisional Commissioner stressed that peace is a prerequisite for development and that more could have been achieved if circumstances had not played a negative role.
“Somewhere, we could have done more development, but the law and order situation played a negative role. But as of now, we are progressing, and it is due to the supreme sacrifices of people as well as security forces,” he said.
Different contingents of the BSF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB, JKAP, IRP, Women’s contingent, SDRF, Fire & Emergency Services, Forest Protection Force, NCC, pipe and brass bands, and students from various schools participated in the march past.
IGP Kashmir, DIG Central Kashmir, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, SSP Srinagar, SSP Traffic Srinagar, SSP Traffic Rural, SSP Security, senior officers, and other security agencies including CRPF, BSF, and NDRF, besides HODs and officers of all civil departments, were present on the occasion.
Addressing the participants at the stadium, the main venue for the celebration of Independence Day, the Divisional Commissioner highlighted the developmental and socio-economic achievements of the government.
He said that terrorists who massacred innocent people at Pahalgam had tried to create fear and division among the people, but the general public strongly condemned the heinous act of terrorism in one voice.
He remarked that Operation Sindoor was a befitting reply to dismantle the bases of terrorism, while Operation Mahadev delivered justice to the actual perpetrators of the Pahalgam killings.
Bidhuri said the Government successfully executed the Hajj pilgrimage despite the prevailing situation during Operation Sindoor.
He also credited civil and security departments for the peaceful and smooth conduct of the annual Shri Amarnathji Yatra.
The outgoing Divisional Commissioner told reporters that must have done some “good deeds” to be given the chance to serve the people of Kashmir.
“It was a great pleasure working here for the people; all the officers are hardworking and are committed to the betterment of the people,” he said.
On the rotten meat scandal, he said that while the Chief Minister has already directed officials to chalk out an action plan, it is a serious issue and people must remain cautious.
“Rotten meat must not have appeared all of a sudden; there must have been a role played by the demand-supply gap. The CM has called for an action plan, and it must address not only meat but other items as well. It is a serious issue.”
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