Div Com Hoists Tricolor at Bakshi Stadium, Pays Tribute to Martyrs Ahead of 79th Independence Day
SRINAGAR: Full-dress rehearsals for the upcoming 79th Independence Day celebrations unfolded across Kashmir today, reflecting a vibrant display of patriotism and unity. Held at all district headquarters, these rehearsals marked the culmination of weeks of preparation, offering a glimpse of the grand festivities set for August 15.
Heartfelt tributes were paid to the nation’s leaders, freedom fighters, and martyrs, honoring their sacrifices that paved the way for India’s independence.
In Srinagar, Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, hoisted the National Flag at Bakshi Stadium, inspected parade contingents, took salute at the march-past, and addressed participants. Earlier, he paid floral tributes to martyrs at Balidan Stambh, Pratap Park, accompanied by IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar Birdi, DC Srinagar Akshay Labroo, and other civil and security officers.
Addressing the gathering, Bidhuri highlighted the government’s developmental and socio-economic achievements. He condemned terrorist attacks in Pahalgam, praised public unity against such acts, and credited Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev for dismantling terrorist bases and bringing perpetrators to justice. He also noted the successful conduct of the Hajj pilgrimage and the Shri Amarnathji Yatra under challenging circumstances, acknowledging the contributions of civil and security departments.
The march-past featured contingents from BSF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB, JKAP, IRP, SDRF, Forest Protection Force, Women’s contingents, NCC, Pipe and Brass bands, and school students. Senior officers from civil and police administration, along with HODs, attended. Cultural programs showcased patriotism and local heritage through performances by students and artists.
District-Level Rehearsals:
- Anantnag: At Shaheed Himayun Muzzamil Memorial, GDC Boys, ADDC Sandeep Singh Bali hoisted the flag, took salute at the march-past, and highlighted district achievements in education, healthcare, agriculture, rural development, women and youth empowerment, road connectivity, and self-employment initiatives. Cultural performances by students depicted patriotic themes and local traditions.
- Ganderbal: ADDC Manzoor Ahmad Bhat hoisted the tricolor at Qamaria Stadium, took salute, and inspected the parade. He emphasized the district’s effective management of major events like Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, Kheer Bhawani Mela, and Urs of Syed Qamar-u-Din Bukhari, highlighting developments in infrastructure, healthcare, and eco-friendly tourism. March-past contingents included JKP, JKP Ladies, CRPF, SSB, PTS Manigam, SPO Ganderbal, Home Guard, Forest Protection Force, and school students.
- Kulgam: ADDC Altaf Ahmad Khan oversaw the parade at District Police Lines, highlighting historical significance, local development, and anti-drug initiatives. March-past included JKP, CRPF, JKAP, Home Guard, Women contingents, NCC, and school students, accompanied by cultural performances.
- Shopian: ADDC Dr. Nasir Ahmad Lone led the rehearsal at DPL Shopian, showcasing local development in roads, employment schemes, agriculture, and socio-economic upliftment. The event featured patriotic cultural programs by students.
- Baramulla: ADC Syed Altaf Hussain Musvi hoisted the flag at Showkat Ali Stadium, emphasized martyrs’ sacrifices, and encouraged citizens to participate in Independence Day celebrations. The march-past included JKP, CRPF, BSF, NCC cadets, and students, accompanied by cultural performances and Police Band music.
- Budgam: ADC Mehraj-ud-din Shah led the parade at Sports Stadium Budgam, with contingents from Police, JKAP, CRPF, NCC, and schools. Cultural programs featured patriotic songs and local folk performances.
- Pulwama: ADC Dr. S.M Ashraf oversaw rehearsals at DPL Pulwama and Awantipora, with contingents from local schools and security forces, followed by vibrant cultural performances.
- Kupwara: ADC Gulzar Ahmad took salute at DPL Zangli Kupwara, with contingents from JK Police, JKAP, CRPF, BSF, and Forest Protection Force. Cultural programs depicted national integration, local heritage, and government initiatives. Rehearsals were also held at Handwara, Tangdar, and GDC Sogam.
- Bandipora: ADC Zaffar Husson Shawal hoisted the flag at S.K Stadium Bandipora. Contingents included JKP, NCC cadets, and school students. Similar rehearsals were conducted at subdivisions Sumbal and Gurez, and across block, panchayat, school, and college levels.
Across Kashmir, these full-dress rehearsals highlighted the patriotic spirit of citizens, the dedication of security forces, and the readiness of districts to celebrate the nation’s 79th Independence Day with grandeur.
