SrinagarThe 71st Independence Day was celebrated with fervor across the Kashmir today with colourful functions held at the district and tehsil headquarters across the Valley.
At Anantnag, Minister for Revenue, Disaster Management, Relief Rehabilitation & Reconstruction and Parliamentary Affairs, Abdul Rehman Veeri unfurled the national flag and took salute at the march past presented by the contingents of JKP, JKAP, Home Guard, CRPF and school children at Government Degree College (Boys), Anantnag.
The function was attended by MLA Pahalgam, Altaf Ahmad Wani, MLA Shangus, Mr Gulzar Ahmad Wani, MLC Sofi Yousuf, Vice Chairman, Gujjar and Bakerwal Board, Zafar Chowdary, DIG (SKR), S.P Pani, Deputy Commissioner, Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, SSP Altaf Ahmad Khan, COs of CRPF & Army; IRP, ADDC, ADC, other officers of civil, police and security administration, leaders of political parties and a large gathering of people and school children.
In his speech, the Minister recorded the sacrifices of freedom fighters in attaining the freedom and pledged to uphold the spirit behind these sacrifices. He said mere political emancipation does not entail freedom; it is the economic self-sufficiency that completes the concept of freedom.
He said the State Government is making every effort to uplift the economic standards of the people by focusing on employment generation, poverty mitigation and development of tangible assets for the benefit of the people.
The Minister highlighted the achievements recorded in district Anantnag during the past two years. In particular, he made a mention of Government Medical College, District Hospital, Circular road and tourism sector.
Later colourful cultural programmes were presented by school children, other artists and CRPF.
The function concluded with the presentation of awards and mementos by the chief guest to the best performing officers, cultural troupes and march past contingents.
Similar functions were also organized at sub-divisional and Tehsil headquarters of the district where the concerned SDMs and Tehsildars unfurled the tricolor and took salute at the march past.
At Baramulla:
Minister for Education, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari unfurled the tricolor at a grand function held at District Police Headquarters to mark the day. He inspected the parade, took salute on the march past presented by contingents of JKP, IRP, CRPF, Fire & Emergency and NCC.
Legislators, Javaid Hassan Beigh and G N Monga, besides DIG Baramulla, DDC Baramulla, SSP, SEs of PHE, PDD, R&B, district and sectoral officers and civil citizens and a large gathering attended the function.
Addressing the function, the Minister for Education stressed the need for promoting communal harmony, peace and prosperity. He said these are the prime values and basic blocks needed for making the nation strong.
He said the Agenda of Alliance laid-out by the present government will be implemented in letter and spirit. Bukhari also highlighted the fact that Baramulla has shown tremendous growth in education, health and rural development sectors and various schemes like PMGSY, SBM and NHM have been successfully implemented in the district.
He said connectivity and upgradation of power infrastructure has been ensured in all the habitations of the district. He said four-lane road from Narbal to Uri will be completed soon and Greater Baramulla will be priority in developmental agenda of the Government.
A colorful cultural programme was also presented on the occasion.
Meanwhile, functions in connection with the Independence Day were also held across the district at Sub-Divisional and Tehsil levels where the concerned SDMs and Tehsildars hoisted the tricolor and took salute at the march past.
At Pulwama:
Minister for Finance, Labour and Employment, Dr Haseeb Drabu hoisted the national flag at District Police Lines, Pulwama inspected parade and took salute of the march past presented by the contingents of J&K Police, CRPF, Forest Protection Force and Fire and Emergency Services.
The Minister expressed satisfaction over the way the present government is implementing its developmental agenda which he said will usher a new and refreshing era of prosperity in the State.
He threw light on various developmental activities undergoing in the district and appreciated the district administration for achieving set targets on the development front.
He said during the past 2 years, the Governments focus has been on upgrading infrastructure in road communication, health and drinking water sectors. While around Rs 200 crore are being spent on upgradation of road connectivity in the district, a sub-district hospital has been established at Rajpora while major infrastructure upgradation has been made at District Hospital Pulwama and other hospitals of the district, he said and added that during the next three years focus will be on other key sectors including horticulture, agriculture and employment generation.
Dr Drabu prayed for the peace and harmony of the State and said that it is our collective duty and responsibility to carry forward the development and progress of the nation and live a dignified life where the future of the states youth is secure.
A colorful cultural programme was also presented on the occasion.
Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, SSP Pulwama, ADC, ACR, Officers from Police, Army besides prominent citizens, school children and a large gathering were present on the occasion.
At Kupwara:
Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Law and Justice, Abdul Haq hoisted the National Flag at District Police Lines, inspected the parade and took salute at combined march past presented by the contingents of JKP, JKAP, CRPF, Home Guards and FPF.
On the occasion, the Minister referring to the development scenario of the State reiterated the commitment of present government to provide basic amenities to the people of all the regions and sections of the society.
He said the developmental scenario in the district is at par with other districts and in this connection the developmental progress like streamlining of road connectivity, healthcare, Drinking Water and Power supply, transportation, Irrigation facilities saw a lot of transformation.
The Minister said that under Rural Developmental sector, Rs 300 crore are being spent to improve road connectivity, under which 34 bridges worth Rs 133 core are under construction.
He added that 11 Model villages are being developed on Modern lines in the district for which Rs 204 crore have been earmarked under BADP. He said many developmental works are underway which will boost development scenario in the district.
The Minister said that Rs 1600 crore have been earmarked under skill development component where-under 1.25 lakh youth from J&K are being trained.
Abdul Haq sought cooperation and support from the public and executing agencies for timely completion of the developmental works in the district and said that peace is pivotal for the overall development of the state.
Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, SSP Kupwara, Officers of district administration, civil and security agencies, representatives of different political parties, and a good number of citizens attended the function.
Similar function was also organized at Mini Secretariat Tangdhar where SDM Karnah unfurled the tricolor and took salute at the march past.
At Budgam:
Minister for Agriculture Production, Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura unfurled the national flag, inspected the parade and took salute at the march past presented by JKP, JKAP, Home Guard , CRPF and contingents of school children at Sports Stadium Budgam.
District Development Commissioner Budgam, SSP Budgam, Commanding Officer 53RR, Vice Chairperson SIDCO, political leaders, and officers/officials from civil administration, police, CRPF were also present on the occasion.
In his address, the Minister extended warm greetings to the people and offered tributes to those who laid down their lives to secure the freedom for the country. The Minister paid rich tributes to former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and underscored his vision for the State. He said that it is the endeavor of the present dispensation to ensure all round development of the State.
The Minister said that in order to execute the various developmental initiatives of the Government, peace has to prevail. He urged the citizens especially the youth and parents to counsel their wards and not to resort to violence as it doesnt solve any issue and dialogue is the only way forward. The function closed with prize distribution ceremony.
Similar functions were also organized at sub-divisional and Tehsil headquarters of the district where the concerned SDMs and Tehsildars unfurled the tricolour and took salute at the march past.
At Bandipora:
Minister for Animal, Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries Abdul Ghani Kohli unfurled the National Flag, inspected the parade and took salute on the March Past presented by the contingents of JKP, IRP, CRPF, Fire & Emergency Services, Home guard, NCC cadets and school children at Sher-e-Kashmir Sports Stadium, Bandipora.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister extended Independence Day greetings to the people and highlighted the historical background of freedom movement and paid rich tributes to the freedom fighters and martyrs.
Saying that peace is imperative and prerequisite for development, the Minister urged people, especially youth to cooperate with the Government and avail benefits from various development and welfare schemes launched by Central and State Governments.
He mentioned about various schemes which include Prime Minister’s Package for over all development of the state, MMSFES, Laadli Beti and Marriage Assistance Scheme for poor girls.
Referring to the development scenario, Kohli said the developmental programmes initiated by the present Government headed by Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti has started percolating it’s benefits on ground level across the State including district Bandipora. He said various new initiatives are in the pipeline to devise new policies for Poultry and Fisheries so that more and more youth are engaged in these sectors.
Later, cultural programmes were held by students, representing different schools of the district, besides Martial Arts demonstration.
District Development Commissioner Bandipora Sajjad Hussain, SSP, Additional Deputy Commissioner, CPO, Officers from District Administration, police, Security Forces, Senior Citizens were present on the occasion.
Similar functions were held at Sonawari and Gurez subdivisions where National Flag was hoisted to mark the Independence Day.
At Kulgam:
A colourful function was held at District Police Lines to commemorate the 71stIndependence Day during which Minister of State for Hajj & Auqaf, Syed Farooq Ahmad Andrabi unfurled the tricolour and took salute at the march past presented by the contingents of J&K Police, CRPF and other wings of paramilitary forces participated in the parade.
Member of Parliament, Nazir Ahmad Laway, Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, CO 18 BN CRPF, ADDC, ADC, other officers of civil, police and security administration, leaders of political parties and a large gathering of people and school children were present on the occasion.
The Minister said the Government is committed to fulfil all the promises made in the Agenda of Alliance. He said no stone will be left unturned to uplift the economic standards of the people and making the State economically vibrant and self-resilient.
He made a specific mention of construction of Mughal Road, Sinthan Tunnel and 4-laning of the National Way which would in long-term benefit the people of the State by improving connectivity with rest of the country.
Andrabi also highlighted the performance of the district during the last year. Besides others, he said that under PMGSY, 80 kms of new road length will be constructed to connect the unconnected habitations. Besides, Rs 9.5 crore has been sanctioned for the construction of Ashthal Bridge. Whereas, Rs 14 crore has been made available to the PHE Department for 13 water supply schemes, which will benefit 55 habitations.
Similar functions were also organised at sub-division DH Pora and tehsil headquarters of the district where the concerned SDM and Tehsildars unfurled the tricolour and took salute at the march past.
At Ganderbal:
Minister of State for Health, Medical Education, Asiea Naqash hoisted the national flag atMadre-Meharban Stadium and took salute at the march past presented by the contingents of J&K Police, IRP, CRPF, J&K Fire and Emergency Services.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister said the occasion provides an opportunity to boost development scenario launched by the coalition Government and to introspect for better tomorrow.
She said that work is apace on Gagangeer to Sonamarg 6.5 km long tunnel at an estimated cost of Rs 2700 crore. On completion, the tunnel will provide road connectivity to Sonamarg health resort throughout the year. Besides construction of Zojila tunnel restoring all weather road connectivity to frontier Ladakh province would be undertaken shortly, Asiea added.
She said that many major developmental projects under core sectors are at various stages of completion in the district which will change the landscape of the district.
The Minister said that the present dispensation is determined to protect, safeguard life and property of all communities living in the state. She said maintaining peace brotherhood and strengthening of mutual bounds is must for the development and progress of the State.
Legislator Sheikh Ishfaq Jabbar, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, SSP Ganderbal, Army Officers, District Officers and a large number of citizens participated in the function.
At Shopian:
Minister of State for Forest, Ecology & Environment, Animal & Sheep Husbandry, Cooperative & Fisheries, Zahoor Ahmad Mir unfurled the national flag and took salute on the march past comprising contingents of CRPF, various wings of J&K Police, Fire & Emergency Services and students from various institutions at Police Lines Shopian.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister said that Independence Day is a moment to remember the freedom fighters who gave supreme sacrifices to free the country. He said this occasion is a day to make commitment to serve our motherland and contribute our part for the development and progress of the nation.
Reiterating commitment for equitable development, the Minister said that Government has initiated various welfare initiatives with the aim to change the socio-economic condition of the district. He said that opening of Mughal Road was the historical decision which serves as an alternative connectivity between Poonch, Rajouri and Shopian.
Later, the function concluded with distribution of prizes and mementoes by the chief guest among the parade contingents and students who secured the first, second and third in their performance.
MLA Shopian, Advocate Mohammad Yusuf Bhat, MLA Wachi, Aijaz Ahmad Mir, Deputy Commissioner Shopian, Senior Superintendent of Police Shopian besides prominent citizens, school children and large number of gathering were also present on the occasion.
Similar functions were also organized at sub-divisional and tehsil headquarters of the district where the concerned SDMs and Tehsildars unfurled the tricolour and took salute at the march past.
At Kargil:
Chairman and Chief Executive Councilor, LAHDC, Kargil, Kacho Ahmad Ali Khan unfurled the national tricolor at Khree Sultan Chow Sports Stadium and took salute at an impressive march past comprising of the contingents of JKP, NCC, Civil and Army band parties besides a number of contingents of Government and private educational institutions.
Kacho Ahmad Ali while congratulating the people on the 71st Independence Day recalled the contributions and supreme sacrifices of the national heroes who laid down their lives for the freedom.
While highlighting the achievements and developmental activities undertaken by the present council in Kargil District, the CEC said that the council is fully committed towards the wholesome development of the district and several important initiatives are presently underway in this regard.
Reiterating the commitment of the Council in taking concrete steps to ensure round the year connectivity of the district with the outside world, the CEC expressed satisfaction over the decision of the Central Government to start work on the construction of Zojila Tunnel in near future.
Colorful cultural programmes were also presented on the occasion by the artists of Cultural Academy and the children of government and private schools which mesmerized the public gathering and won huge rounds of applause.
Later the chief guest also gave away prizes to the contingents, artists and school children who participated in the parade and cultural programmes. Mementos and citations were also given to several government employees for exemplary and meritorious public services.
Among others who were present on the occasion included Executive Councilor for Education Advocate Muhammad Amir, Deputy Commissioner Kargil Haji Gulzar Hussain, Senior Superintendent of Police Kargil Tsering Gyalpo, councilors, senior civil, police and army officers, representatives of religious, social and political organizations and a large number of general public.
Independence Day was also celebrated at Sub Division Drass, Sankoo, Zanskar and Shakar Chikten besides Tehsil Tai Suru and Shargole. SDM Drass Ghulam Ahmad Khan hoisted the national flag at Higher Secondary School Drass, SDM Sankoo Ghulam Mohiuddin Wani at Aga Syed Haider Razvi Memorial Higher Secondary School Sankoo, SDM Shakar Chiktan Ghulam Mehdi at Chiktan Shagaran, In Charge SDM Zanskar Tundup Namgyal Lonpo at Civil Helipad Padum, Tehsildar Tai Suru Sonam Dorjay at Tai Suru and Tehsildar Shargole Ghulam Mehdi at Higher Secondary School Shargole respectively.
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