Srinagar- First time after the outbreak of insurgency in the early nineties, Srinagar on Tuesday witnessed mass participation of people in India’s 77th Independence Day celebrations.
Unlike in the past there were no curbs on public movement and no restrictions on the internet. Authorities allowed unhindered access to people in the Bakhshi Stadium, the venue of the main function where Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha presided over a customary march past and cultural extravaganza.
Bakhshi Stadium would be turned into a security fortress in the past for fear of terror strikes and people would only be allowed in with a valid security pass.
Thousands had made a beeline outside the stadium today as authorities did away with security passes allowing unhindered access to people in the venue.
Carrying the national flag, men and women of all ages filled the stands in the Bakshi stadium while a significant number of children could also be seen. This was the largest gathering of civilians at the stadium for an Independence Day function since 2003 when an estimated 20,000 people had witnessed the parade.
The atmosphere was festive as many people clicked selfies in the stands to mark the occasion.
Many schools were open in the city early for flag hoisting ceremonies while shops too were catering to people in some areas of the city including Lal Chowk, in a marked departure from the last 33 years when people would prefer staying home.
While security forces were deployed in adequate numbers to ensure law and order, traffic was moving freely in most parts of the city with only random checking of vehicles done by security forces at some places close to Bakhshi stadium, officials said.
The stadium was closed in 2018 for renovation and upgradation and the parade had shifted to Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium in Sonawar.
Similar scenes were witnessed in other district headquarters.
“I came here with my children. I found it very peaceful and the authorities had made enough security arrangements,” said Shafeeq Ahamd, resident of HMT Srinagar.
Ahmad said that his kids wanted to see the Independence Day parade and he fulfilled their wish.
“We are happy that there are no restrictions and people are allowed to enter without any special passes. This is how it should have been in the first place,” Abid Hussain, a young man in the stands, said.
Shaista Bano had come from Ganderbal district to witness the parade.
“I was longing for so many years to see the parade. When I heard that anyone can enter the stadium, I decided to come this time,” she said.
There were no restrictions on the internet as announced by the Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri on Saturday. The Railway service between south and north Kashmir districts were also operating as usual on Tuesday.
Earlier a large number of people, mostly tourists from different states, gathered at historic Lal Chowk in the morning hours and began dancing and waving the tricolour. It was an unprecedented scene in Srinagar city centre. (With PTI inputs)
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