Jammu celebrates Independence Day amid Covid-19 restrictions

Arteev Sharma

Tribune News Service

Jammu, August 15

Amid strict adherence to the Covid-19 protocols, patriotic fervour and exuberance marked 74th Independence Day celebrations at various divisional, district and block-level functions across the Jammu region on Saturday.

The celebrations though were scaled down keeping in view the prescribed safety norms to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.

At the divisional level, KK Sharma, Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor, unfurled the Tricolour at the Mini Stadium here amid a limited gathering.

The Advisor, who was the chief guest for the function, inspected the parade and took the salute at the march past comprising contingents of the BSF, district police, CRPF, JKAP, UTDRF, Forest Protection Force and the IRP.

In his address, the Advisor greeted the people of the UT on Independence Day and highlighted the prolonged struggle and sacrifices made by the freedom fighters to oust the foreign rulers from the country.

Seeking the cooperation of the people in taking J&K to the new heights of development, Sharma recounted numerous developmental projects and works undertaken in the UT by the administration.

He said the UT Administration was trying its best to take J&K on the glorious path of development and prosperity.

Terming the extension of many progressive laws of the Indian Constitution to J&K as historical, Sharma said these would open new avenues for its development and facilitate the communities living here to promote their languages and cultures.

“These changes have also removed the decades-old hurdles in the way of economic development and prosperity,” he added.

At the district level, Independence Day was celebrated with fervor, zeal and national spirit.

In Udhampur, the main function was held on the premises of PG Degree College (Boys), where the District Development Commissioner, Piyush Singla, hoisted the National Flag.

In district Kathua, the main function was held at the Sports Stadium, where Deputy Commissioner Om Parkash Bhagat hoisted the Tricolour and took salute at the march past.

Similarly, the national function was celebrated with enthusiasm amid strict adherence to guidelines regarding Covid-19 spread in Samba where District Development Commissioner Rohit Khajuria unfurled the Tricolour at the decorated Rani Suchait Singh stadium.

In Reasi, Independence Day function was held at General Zorawar Singh Sports Stadium, where Deputy Commissioner Indu Kanwal Chib unfurled the Tricolour.

Enthusiasm, fervor and national spirit also marked the celebrations in Kishtwar where the main function was held on the premises of the DC Office complex.

Deputy Commissioner Rajinder Singh Tara unfurled the Tricolor and inspected the parade.

In remote Ramban district, District Development Commissioner Nazim Zai Khan unfurled the National Flag at District Police Lines, Ramban, and inspected the parade comprising JK Police, CRPF, IRP contingents and Military Band.

Independence Day was also celebrated with great fervor in the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch.

In Rajouri, the celebrations were held at the district headquarter, all additional districts, sub-divisions and tehsil headquarters. The main function was organised at the District Police Line grounds, where Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Nazir Sheikh unfurled the National Flag.

In Poonch, the celebrations were held at district headquarter, sub-divisions and tehsil headquarters.

The main function was held at the Sports Stadium, where Deputy Commissioner Rahul Yadav unfurled the Tricolour.

At Doda, the main function was held at the Sports Stadium where Deputy Commissioner Sagar D Doifode unfurled the Tricolor.

Similar functions were also held at block, tehsil and panchayat levels in different parts of the Union Territory.

Meanwhile, different political groups also hoisted the Tricolour at their respective party headquarters to celebrate the day.