ANANTNAG,: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare, and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today hoisted the National Flag at Shaheed Himayun Muzammil Memorial Government Degree College Boys to mark the 79th Independence Day celebrations.
The Minister inspected the parade and took salute from contingents of J&K Police, CRPF, NCC cadets, and school children.
In her address, Sakeena Itoo emphasized that freedom is a precious gift achieved through the sacrifices of countless martyrs and forefathers. She urged citizens to value this freedom, uphold the Constitution, abide by the laws, and work collectively for the country’s progress.
Paying tribute to Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, the Minister highlighted his role in uniting the people of Jammu and Kashmir and contributing significantly to sectors like health, education, and agriculture.
Sakeena Itoo also highlighted the government’s achievements over the past nine months under Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, including upgraded public infrastructure, improved healthcare facilities with dialysis units, additional OPD blocks, MRI machines, Cath Labs, digital X-ray labs, and other advanced equipment. She stressed that accountability has been strengthened across all government departments, enabling citizens to seek answers and demand transparency.
On the issue of statehood, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment, stating: “Statehood restoration is not a favour but the genuine right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.” She added that restoring statehood will rebuild public confidence and trust in governance.
The Minister also highlighted welfare measures implemented in the past nine months, including increased pensions for the disabled, widows, and senior citizens; higher marriage assistance from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 75,000; free travel in government buses for women; and enhanced ration distribution. Youth-centric schemes under Mission YUVA were also launched to empower younger generations.
Sakeena Itoo paid rich tributes to martyrs and fallen soldiers and remembered the victims of the Kishtwar cloudburst, expressing solidarity with their families.
The event was attended by DDC Chairman Anantnag M.Y. Gorsi, MLAs Peerzada Mohammad Syed, Altaf Ahmad Wani, Dr. Bashir Ahmad Shah Veeri, Reyaz Ahmad Khan, Zaffar Ali Khatana, DIG South Kashmir Range Javid Iqbal Mattoo, Deputy Commissioner Syeed Fakhrudin Hamid, SSP Amritpal Singh, senior district officials, DDC members, students, and large numbers of citizens.
