AGENCIES / JAMMU
The 71st Republic Day of India was celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety across the Jammu region on Sunday with Lt Governor G C Murmu unfurling the national flag at the main function here.
This was the first Republic Day after Jammu and Kashmir’s special status was withdrawn on August 5 last year and the erstwhile state was divided into two Union Territories. Murmu unfurled the tricolour at the jam-packed Maulana Azad Stadium in the heart of the city, inspected the parade and took salute at an impressive march past which was commanded by Colonel Rajesh Kumar Sharma of the 5th battalion of J&K Light Infantry (JAKLI).
Besides JAKLI, the contingents of BSF, CRPF, Jammu and Kashmir Armed Police, Indian Reserve Police, Disaster Response Force, Jammu and Kashmir Fire and emergency services, ex-servicemen, NCC girls and boys and Bharat scouts took part in the march past. He also addressed the function, witnessing cultural and sports programmes by young boys and girls, and scintillating performance by local police’s daredevils’ motorcycle stunt team. An IAF chopper showered flower petals at the start of the function, which attracted huge applause, while three helicopters flew overhead at regular intervals during the event.
In Kashmir, the 71st Republic Day was celebrated amidst tight security with the main function in the Valley being held at the Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium, where Lieutenant Governor’s advisor Farooq Khan presided over the function, but most mainstream politicians stayed away.
Advisor Khan took the salute at the march past after unfurling the national flag. This was the first Republic Day after Jammu and Kashmir’s special status was withdrawn on August 5 last year and the erstwhile state was divided into two Union Territories. Most of the mainstream politicians stayed away from the function as top leaders of regional parties like the National Conference and Peoples Democratic Party are under detention since August 5.
Braving chilly weather conditions, continents of police and other security forces took part in the parade after Khan was given the guard of honour. Addressing the gathering, Khan paid rich tributes to Dr B.R. Ambedkar who gave the Constitution which guarantees rights to every citizen without discrimination on the basis of caste, colour, region or religion. He also paid tributes to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives to preserve the country’s sovereignty. He said introduction of Back to Village program, a unique initiative to register and address public grievances at people’s doorstep, witnessed huge participation and the officers of the civil administration reached out to every corner of the UT.