Full dress rehearsals held across Valley ahead of 79th Independence Day

Our Correspondent

Srinagar, August 13

In a vibrant display of patriotism and unity, full dress rehearsals for the 79th Independence Day were conducted across all district headquarters in Kashmir on Tuesday, marking the final preparations for the August 15 celebrations.

In Srinagar, the main venue at Bakshi Stadium witnessed Divisional Commissioner Vijay Kumar Bidhuri hoisting the Tricolour, inspecting parade contingents, taking the salute, and addressing the gathering. In his speech, he paid tributes to freedom fighters and martyrs and lauded the socio-economic progress achieved in the region.

Condemning the recent terrorist killings in Pahalgam, Bidhuri praised the people of Kashmir for standing united against terror. He described Operation Sindoor as a strong response to dismantle terror infrastructure, and Operation Mahadev as justice delivered to the perpetrators of the Pahalgam massacre.

Across the Valley, similar rehearsals were held at Anantnag, Ganderbal, Kulgam, Shopian, Baramulla, Budgam, Pulwama, Kupwara and Bandipora.

The rehearsals, marked by colourful parades, cultural performances, and flag-hoisting ceremonies, reflected the enthusiasm of officials, security personnel, and the general public as Kashmir readies to celebrate India’s 79th Independence Day with full patriotic spirit.

Meanwhile, a tight security blanket has been thrown around Bakshi Stadium, the main venue of Independence Day function in Jammu and Kashmir, to ensure incident-free celebrations in the valley.

“We have made multi-tier security arrangements for the Independence Day celebrations. High rise spotters have been deployed to maintain vigil,” Inspector General of Police Kashmir Zone VK Birdi told reporters here after the full dress rehearsal.

He said all the possibilities have been taken into consideration while drafting the security plan to ensure peaceful Independence Day.