Independence Day celebrated with patriotic fervour, gaiety across Jammu division

Jammu, Aug 15: Independence Day was today celebrated with patriotic fervour, gaiety across Jammu division.

From colourful parades and flag-hoisting ceremonies to cultural performances and community gatherings, the day was filled with a palpable sense of unity and patriotism, reflecting the deep-rooted commitment to the nation's freedom and progress.

At Kathua the main function was held at Sports Stadium, Kathua where DDC Chairman Col (Retd) Mahan Singh hoisted the National Flag and took salute from mega parade comprising of 46 contingents drawn from District Police, Police Training School, IRP, NCC boys and Girls, Bands and tiny platoons from various Government and Private schools.

In his address, the DDC Chairman recalled the sacrifices made by freedom fighters to secure independence for the country. He commemorated all the brave soldiers and policemen who laid down their lives while fighting for the nation. He appealed to the citizens to serve the nation with devotion, honesty and truthfulness.

At Doda the main event took place at the Sports Stadium, Doda, where District Development Council (DDC) Chairman, Dhananter Singh Kotwal, hoisted the tricolor amidst spirited celebrations.

Following the flag hoisting, he inspected the parade and took the salute from JK Police, IR 5th Battalion, CRPF 76th Battalion, FPF, Home Guards, NCC, and schoolchildren. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Vice Chairperson DDC Doda, Sangeeta Rani Bhagat, Deputy Commissioner Doda, Harvinder Singh, SSP Doda, Javid Iqbal,, ADDC Doda, Pran Singh, district officers and other distinguished figures from the civil and police departments.

In his address, DDC Chairman emphasized the significance of Independence Day as a tribute to the countless freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for India’s freedom.

At Ramban the 78th Independence Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervor at the District Police Lines (DPL) Ramban. District Development Council Chairperson, Dr. Shamshad Shan, hoisted the tricolor and took the salute from the march past.

The ceremony began with the hoisting of the national flag, followed by the singing of the national anthem. Dr Shamshad Shan inspected the parade and took the salute of the contingents from Jammu and Kashmir Police, IRP, FPF, Home Guards, and School Children.

Deputy Commissioner, Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary, SSP, Anuj Kumar, ADDC Roshan Lal, ADC Varunjeet Singh Charak, DPO ICDS Jahangir Hashmi, senior officers of Civil and Police administration, and prominent citizens attended the function.

In her address, Dr Shamshad Shan paid tribute to the freedom fighters and martyrs who sacrificed their lives for Independence. She emphasized the importance of unity, integrity, patriotism, and encouraged the youth to contribute to the nation's progress. At Rajouri the main function was organized at DPL ground Rajouri where the chief guest, District Development Council Chairman, Naseem Liyaqat unfurled the National Flag and took the salute to the march past in the presence of Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Om Prakash Bhagat.

The contingents of JKAP, JK Executive Police, JK police band, CRPF, JK FPF, and SPO, NCC and contingents of different schools participated in the March past while DySP, Naveed Ahmed Qazi commanded the parade.

While speaking on the occasion, the Chairman of District Development Council Rajouri highlighted the numerous developmental strides taken in the district. He informed that a substantial amount of ?998 crores has been sanctioned for various projects in the current financial year. Under the Awas Plus initiative, an impressive total of 12,000 houses have been completed.

At Udhampur the main function was held at Government PG Degree College, Boys Udhampur, wherein District Development Council Chairman, Lal Chand was the chief guest, who hoisted the National flag and took salute from an impressive march past of 30 contingents drawn from J&K Police, SKPA, NCC and other Civil troups besides Police Band, took part in this national function.

DDC Vice Chairperson, Juhi Manhas Pathania, DIG Udhampur - Reasi Range Rayees Mohammad Bhat, Deputy Commissioner, Udhampur Saloni Rai, Senior Superintendent of Police, Joginder Singh, Additional District Development Commissioner, Rajinder Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Joginder Singh Jasrotia, DDCs, Senior officers from District Administration, Police, Indian Army, Air Force, CRPF, ITBP and BSF besides prominent citizens of the district were present.

While extending his heartiest greetings to everyone on the ocassion of Independence Day. He said that this is a day of great significance, a day that reminds us of the struggles and sacrifices of our forefathers who bravely fought against colonial rule to gift us the precious treasure of freedom.

At Poonch the Independence Day was today celebrated with great enthusiasm, fervor and national spirit at Sports Stadium Poonch wherein District Development Council Chairperson, Tazeem Akhter hoisted the National Flag and took salute.

Guard of honour was presented by JK Police which was followed by March past of contingents of JKP, CRPF, JKAP, NCC , J&K Home Guards, J&K Police QRT Commando, J&K Police Band and various Educational Institutions of the District.

Vice Chairperson DDC Poonch Ashfaq Ahmed, Deputy Commissioner Poonch Yasin M. Choudhary, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Yougal Manhas, DDC Members, ADDC Sandesh Kumar Sharma, ADC Tahir Mustafa Malik, PO ICDS Khalid Hussain Wafa, ACR, ACD, District Social Welfare Officer Wakeel Ahmed Batt besides other officers from Civil, Police, Judiciary, Ex Legislators, prominent citizens, social workers, political activists, large number of men, women and children were present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, the DDC Chairperson Tazeem Akhter congratulated the people of poonch for the 78th Independence day. She highlighted the sacrifices of our brave freedom fighters in achieving Independence. She stated that it is the most significant day in the history of India. She also highlighted the success of "Har Ghar Tiranga" campaign.

At Samba the main function was held at Rani Suchet Singh Stadium, Samba where District Development Council (DDC) Chairman, Keshav Dutt Sharma, hoisted the National Flag, followed by a ceremonial salute to the parade commander and the participating contingents.

He also inspected the parade formations, showcasing the discipline and coordination of the participants.

In his address, DDC Chairman Keshav Dutt Sharma extended his heartfelt congratulations to all present and highlighted the invaluable contributions of freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi and Subhas Chandra Bose. He emphasized the sacrifices made by these leaders in the pursuit of India's independence and urged everyone to honor their legacy by contributing to the nation’s development.

At Kishtwar Amid mild rain showers, the Independence Day was today celebrated with great enthusiasm, fervour and national spirit. The main function was held here in the premises at Chowgan Ground Kishtwar. The Programme started with Shehnai Vadan by DIC Kishtwar and National Anthem by troop of School students.

Chairperson District Development Council Kishtwar Pooja Thakur who was Chief guest on the occasion accompanied by DC Kishtwar Dr Devansh Yadav and SSP Kishtwar Abdul Qayoom hoisted the tricolor and took salute of March past from the contingents drawn from District police, CRPF, CISF, IRPF, Forest Protection Force, Students of Different Schools, NCC wing (Boys and Girls) GDC Kishtwar and Home guard. The parade was commanded by DySP Headquarter Dr Ishan Gupta.

At Reasi the main celebration took place at the General Zorawar Singh Sports Stadium Reasi, where DDC Chairman, Saraf Singh Nag, hoisted the National Flag and took salute to the march past.

Impressive contingents from JK Police, CRPF, Boys and Girls wings of NCC battalions, along with band squads of the Police, showcased a remarkable Parade. Different government departments, including Agriculture, NRLM, Social Welfare & Cooperative, displayed welfare schemes through placards, emphasizing their commitment to citizen well-being.

Remembering the contribution of freedom fighters, DDC Chairperson said that we are able celebrate this day due to their struggles. The DDC chairperson also highlighted the post-independence challenges the country faced and said we can’t forget the brave soldiers who sacrificed their life to safeguard the sovereignty and integrity of the country.