R-Day celebrated with fanfare at historic Ridge

Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla unfurled the national flag at the Ridge, Shimla, on the 76th Republic Day during state-level celebrations, and took salute from an impressive march past led by Parade Commander Lt Gagandeep Chauhan from 22, Jammu and Kashmir Rifles. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu was also present on the occasion.

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The contingents of the Army, Indo-Tibet Border Police, Himachal Pradesh Armed Police, Punjab police, state police, Home Guards, Fire Services, Himachal Pradesh Postal Services, Disaster Management, ex-servicemen, National Cadet Corps, National Service Scheme Cadets and, Bharat Scouts and Guides, performed the march past. Tableau showcasing various development activities of different departments were the main attraction on the occasion. Culture troupes from Kinnaur, Hamirpur, Shimla and Mandi gave cultural performances. The troupes of North Zone Cultural Centre Patiala, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand also performed on the occasion.

Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, Shimla MLA Harish Janartha, Chief Minister's Principal Advisor (Media) Naresh Chauhan, Shimla Mayor Surinder Chauhan and Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, other senior civil, police and military officials were present on the occasion.