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66th Independence Day celebrations held across J&K

KT NEWS SERVICE. Dated: 8/16/2012 3:05:58 PM

SRINAGAR, Aug 15: Like other parts of the country, 66th Independence Day was celebrated with traditional gaiety and fervor throughout the State. At District Headquarters the Ministers unfurled the tricolor and took salute on the march past comprising the contingents of JKP, JKAP, CRPF, Home Guards, NCC, BSF, Fire and Emergency Services, Forest Protection Force and students of Educational Institutions.
AT BUDGAM: The main function was held in the Bulbul Shah Sports Stadium Budgam where the Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs, Ab. Rahim Rather, who was Chief Guest on the occasion, unfurled the tricolour and took salute on march past comprising smart contingents’ of CRPF,J&K Police, Home guards and students of various schools.
Speaking on the occasion, Rather paid glowing tributes to the leaders and freedom fighters who liberated the Nation from British slavery by offering supreme sacrifices. He said it was their sacrifices which laid a strong edifice of secularism and socialism in the country and we are taking breath in a free and fairless atmosphere today. He called for self introspection to see what we have contributed to protect this hard won independence and what further needs to be done to protect the sovereignty and integrity of the country.
Rather also paid gratitude to Defence forces for guarding the borders round the clock adding that para military forces and Jammu and Kashmir Police also needs great appreciation and encouragement for dealing with internal situation professionally and efficiently. “Whether it is scorching heat of the summer or chilling cold of winters, the forces always remain on guard at the borders for their protection against enemies” Rather, added.
Rather said after independence in August 1947,our country has made big strides in all fields, especially in science, technology, education and agriculture. We have also strengthened the roots of democracy and upheld sanctity and supremacy of a credible judiciary, due to which our country is being seen with honour in different counties of the world.
A variety of cultural programme by students and Information Department was also presented which enthralled the audience.
The Minister also gave away trophies among the best performing, students who participated in cultural programme and contingents which took part in the march past.
Besides,a large number people. Senior citizen, students, District Development commissioner, Budgam, Khurshid Amed Shah, SSP Budgam, Utam Singh, and heads of various District Offices and Engineering Units were also present on the occasion.
At Baramulla: Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control Taj Mohi-ud-Din unfurled the National Flag at District Police Lines and took salute on the march past by contingents of JKP, JKAP, Home Guards, Fire Service & emergency Service, NCC and students of various educational Institutions.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that the nation has achieved freedom by offering great sacrifices and we should contribute to the development and prosperity of the country. He said since Independence, India has progressed in every field and a new era of development has started. While enumerating the achievements registered by the state, he said that successful conduct of panchayat elections and empowerment of PRIs at the grass root level is a great step of the government in this regard.
The officers of the District Administration, police and army were present on the occasion.
A cultural Programme was present by the School Children and artists of Information Department on the occasion. Similar function were held at Tehsil Headquarters of Uri, Sopore, Pattan and Tangmarg.
At Kupwara The Minister for Agriculture Ghulam Hassan Mir unfurled the tricolor on the eve of 66th Independence day at district Police lines Kupwara and took the salute on the march past. The Contingents of JKP, JKAP, CRPF, IRP, Home Guard, District police, Fire and Emergency Services and Force Protection Force besides School Children took part in the March past.
The Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Sarmad Hafeez, District officers and officers of police and security forces were present on the occasion.
Greeting the people on the eve of Independence day, the Minister sought people’s cooperation for making the J&K economic self reliant for which he described that peace is imperative for achieving this objective.
The Minister asked the youth to change their mindsets and stressed them to excel in the academics and be a part of developmental process. He said the youth of the State have proved their metal at national and international level and they have to share their responsibility for leading the nation in future.
Similar functions were held at Handwara and Karnah tehsil headquarters where additional deputy Commissioner Handwara and sub division magistrate Karnah, respectively unfurled the tricolor and took salute on the March past.
At Anantnag: Minister for Public Enterprises, Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed today unfurled National flag on 66th Independence day at district headquarters Anantnag and took salute on the march past.
Speaking on the occasion Peerzada said it is due to the great scarifies offered by our leaders to free the country from the clutches of the British rule, that we have achieved the freedom and it is our duty to serve our motherland and contribute for the development and progress of the nation.
He said that since independence the nation has made remarkable progress is every field. He said that India is economically sound besides self-sufficient in agriculture and remarkable progress has been achieved in the fields of education, health, science, communication.
Similar functions were held at Tehsil headquarters of Dooru, Kokernag, Shangus, Bijbehara and Pahalgam were concerned Tehsildars hoisted the Tricolour and took salute on the march past.
AT PULWAMA: Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Law Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Ali Mohammad Sagar unfurled the National Flag and took salute on the March Past by the various contingents of Students, JK Police, JKAP, CRPF, NCC, Fire and Emergency Services and Homeguards.
Speaking on the occasion the Minister while asking the people to ensure participatory role in sustaining the peaceful environs of the state, the Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Law Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Ali Mohammad Sagar has said that it is imperative to understand the importance of peace which is important for carrying on the developmental and other related activities.
The District Development Commissioner, Pulwama, Shafat Noor and other senior officers of district administration, police and prominent citizens of the district were present.
“The State has undergone troubled times and it was due to the sustained efforts of the government that the peace has been sustained and unprecedented developmental works initiated by the government and we hope that we would be able to carry this forward”. The Minister said adding now the people are enjoying the peace dividends and they will do their bit for sustainment of the same.
The Minister said that the state has witnessed an unprecedented rush of tourists which was due to the peace prevailing in the state and the sustained efforts of the government. “The tourists inflow is very important to the economy of the State as the tourist industry is one of the most vital sectors of the State and it results in uplifting the socio economic profile of the people associated with it and the state as a whole” he further added.
Referring to the Indo-Pak talks, the Minister said that the government had form the very first day advocated the medium of dialogue for solving all the issues and history stands testimony to the fact that various vexed issues have been solved through this medium. “The friendship between the two countries is beneficial to everybody especially to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and we sincerely hope that they would carry on this bonhomie and solve all their disputes” he said maintaining that Omar led government supports the initiatives of the talks whole heartedly.
AT GANDERBAL: Minister for Forest and Environment Mian Altaf Ahmad today unfurled tri-colour at Madr-e-Meharban Stadium, Ganderbal and took salute on the march past comprising contingents of J&K Police, JKAP, Home Guards, Forest Protection Force, IRP and school students from the schools of the district.Giving detailed account of the freedom movement, the Minister urged the need to further strengthen the great values cherished by the leaders of the freedom movement. He said the country is celebrating 66th Independence Day, adding that during the period it has become great democratic country which is recognized all over the world. The people are directly involved to form the government and indirectly to elect the head of the state, he added and said that everyone is equal before law and has the right to education, employment and choose a profession.
Referring to developmental front, Mian Altaf said that the state has achieved a lot in every sector with regard to development. He said that the Baramulla- Srinagar, Srinagar-Ganderbal and Jammu- Srinagar national Highway is being upgraded for the convenience of the people. He said a 200-bedded hospital and building of Indian System of Medicine is being constructed in Ganderbal to provide best medicare to the people of the area. He said the Central University has been established in the area to provide higher education to the people at their door step.
The Minister said the government is establishing a new Ganderbal Power house to provide uninterrupted power supply to the people of the area. He said the conduct of Panchayat elections with help in implementation of development process by involving the people at grass-root level in the state. He urged upon the people to maintain peace, harmony and brother hood to take to minimum benefits of welfare schemas being launched by the government.
The Minister presented awards to the officers for the best public service. These are Chief Executive Officer, Sonamarg, Mohammad Yousuf Bhat, SP, Farid Hussain, Naib Tehsildar, Ganderbal, Sami Ullah, Girdawar, G N Malik, Correspondents, Rahim Rizwan and Irshad Ahmad .
Earlier, the school children presented colour cultural programme which was high applauded by the audiences.
AT SHOPIAN- Minister for CAPD, Qamar Ali Akhoon hoisted the National Flag at Shahid Imitiaz Thokar Stadium here and took salute on the march past comprising contingents of J&K Police, CRPF, Home Guard, Forest Protection Force, NCC and School students.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister remembered the supreme sacrifices of the freedom fighters to liberate the country from the clutches of British Rule. He said that we have to remember freedom fighters due to which we achieved freedom and now the country has distinction of being largest democracy in the world.
Referring to special status to the State of J&K, the Minister said that Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh are an example of unity and composite culture. He mentioned various schemes launched by the government for the development of the State
Akhoon said that being a apple town, District Shopian has unique position in the state, adding that Rs.190 crore would be spent for completion of various developmental works in the district. He said that construction work on Rs. 5.98 crore bridge over Ranbiara rivulet would be completed by the end of this month, adding that work on Tark-i-wangam bridge over Ranbiara rivulet would be started this year for which Rs. 9.40 has been earmarked. He said a fruit mandi by spending Rs. 40 crore would be established in the district for the convenience of fruit growers of the area for which the land has been identified.
The Minister said that the completion of Mughal Road will give a fillip to trade and influx of tourists in the area help in ameliorating the socio-economic condition of the people.
The Minister gave brief account of developmental activities in the district. He said that Rs. 66 crore has been reserved under MNREGA. He said work on 94 school building is going on in full swing. He also stressed on the District Administration to speed up the pace of developmental works and complete them in time bound manner for the benefit of the people.
Later, the Minister distributed trophies and awards among the students presented cultural programme on the occasion. AT KULGAM: Minister for Social Welfare and the Chief Guest, Sakina Itoo unfurled the Tricolour and took Salute on the march past. CRPF, JKP,JKAP, Home Guard, NCC Cadets and other contingents participated in the march past. Addressing a huge gathering the Minister while congratulating the people, Sakina said, the day remind us the sacrifices made by those thousands men, women and towering personalities like the father of the Nation, Mahatama Gandhi, Jawahar Lal Nehru and Abdul Kalam Azad and Sher-i-Kashmir, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah for liberating the nation from the clutches of the British rules.
Sakina said that we suffered a lot during the last two decades of turmoil, but now the State of Jammu and Kashmir State yet again has been put on the development track with right direction and now an era of development has been started in the State and State Government has launched massive developmental programmes for the purpose.
Referring 2008 State Assembly Elections, the Minister said that more than 70 percent voters participated and gave a new leaf of live to the Democratic Institutions of the State and PRIS have ben empowered to monitor the functioning of 14 departments.
The Minister said that the Tourism sector is getting priority and many new Tourism Development Authorities have been created for boost the tourism sector in the State, which have great potential for providing employment opportunities to unemployment youths. She said that this year a record number of tourists in lakhs visited the Jammu and Kashmir State including more than six lakh pilgrims who paid obeisance at the holy cave of Shri Amarnath Ji .
The Minister said the Jammu and Kashmir State after getting the freedom from the autocratic rule witnessed overall development in Education, Infrastructure, Roads, Buildings, Health, Tourism sectors under the dynamic leadership and towering personality of Late. Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah.. She said the State had witnessed significant achievement in the fields of Education, Health, Agriculture, Science and Technology and Social Security, Information Technology and Road infrastructure sectors.
Sakina said that present coalition government under the dynamic leadership of Omar Abdullah during its more than 3 and half years governance have taken a number of steps not only providing a corruption free and delivery of prompt services to the common people by enacting PSGA, RTI, State Vigilance Commission, Accountability Commission to ensure transferency and quick disposal of the cases in a time bound period. She said for providing higher Education on the doors of those aspirants living in far flung and remote areas with resource less, the State government opened 22 new Colleges and Schools.
The Minister said that in road infrastructure sector, the District Kulgam has been upgraded and maximum area has been covered in the road connectivity She said during last three half years rule massive developmental activities have taken place in the State in comparison to last 50 years.
Reaffirming unemployment problem, she said the government has already taken the steps to fill up the vacant vacancies on fast track basis. She said the Sher-i-Kashmir employment and welfare programme for youth is a historical decision and landmark policy document of present government. She said under this scheme, that alone in Kulgam district, more than 7000 un employed youth have been covered on which Rs. 10,000 crore have been incurred annually. She said that 40,000 youths have been provided Government jobs during the last three and half year rule through SSB, District level and various other agencies and the efforts are on to create more employment opportunities.
The Minister said under various Social Welfare Schemes, monthly pension is being provided to more than 5 lakh people of down-trodden and BPL families besides scholarships facilities has been given to more than 2.64 lakh students at pre-matric level up to PH.D belonging to SC, ST and Pahari speaking people. She said for empowering the women the department is running a number of schemes under which soft loans are being providing to them for starting their own income generating units. She said more than 5 lakh kids are being provided nutrition’s and other basic medical facilities at 28000 Aagan Wardi Centres.
She said that more than 200 Bridges and 55 Roads have been constructed besides 9000 Kilometers Roads has been macadamized. She said that more than 1800 new habitants with help of 438 water supply schemes have been provided safe drinking water.
On the occasion, the small kids of various Schools and other cultural troupes presented various colourful cultural programmes.
Later the Minister presented awards to the best performers including students and parade contingents in various fields.
AT KARGIL: Independence Day was celebrated at Kargil today with immense patriotism and gaiety. Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC, Kargil, Kacho Ahmed Ali Khan hoisted the national flag at Khree Sultan Chow Sports Stadium at Bemathang and took salute at an impressive parade comprising of 15 contingents of J&K Police, NCC, Govt. and private schools and army and civil band party. Addressing a mammoth public gathering after unfurling the national tricolor, Kacho Ahmed Ali Khan greeted the people of Kargil on the 66th Independence Day, and paid rich tributes to the martyrs who sacrificed their precious lives for the sake of the country.He also urged people to value and uphold the importance of independendence and appealed them to extend support and cooperation to the government in the realization of developmental activities in the district. CEC also released the book Khushaal Kargil highlighting the success story of the present Hill Council during the past four years.
Later Deputy Commissioner, Kargil M Raju and Amir Ali Mir, OSD to Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir were awarded for their meritorious and exemplary services in the field of administration and public welfare. Meanwhile, local writers Sadiq Ali Sadiq and Ghulam Ahmed Khan Jawan were also awarded for their outstanding contribution towards the promotion and preservation of Balti and Shina languages.
Among others who were present on the occasion included MLA Zanskar, Feroze Ahmed Khan, Deputy Commissioner, M Raju, Superintendent of Police, Javed Iqbal Mattoo, councillors, senior army and civil officers, senior citizens, representatives of political and religious organizations, and a large number of general public.
Independence Day was also celebrated at Drass, Zanskar, Sankoo, Chikten and other places of the district. Executive Councillor Haji Ghulam Amir hoisted the national flag at Chikten, Executive Councillor Aga Syed Kazim Sabiri at Sankoo, Executive Councillor Punchoq Tashi at Zanskar, and Executive Councillor Ghulam Rasool Nagovi at Drass respectively. Impressive march pasts and colorful cultural programmes were also presented.
AT LEH: With great enthusiasm and patriotic fervor, the 66th Independence Day was celebrated at polo ground Leh were CEC LAHDC, Rigzin Spalbar hoisted the national tri-colour to the rhythm of national anthem today amidst the gathering of thousands of people, invitees and parade contingent of police, paramilitary and school children.
Addressing the gathering, Rigzin Spalbar said that Independence Day is a moment to remember the freedom fighters who gave supreme sacrifices to free the country from the clutches of British rule. He stressed that this occasion is a day to take commitment to serve our motherland and contribute our part of duty and responsibility for the development and progress of the nation.
Spalbar said that the patriotic and nationalism attitude of the people of Ladakh has a special place in India and for that reason Ladakh has been getting a special treatment on all front. “In this fast changing scenario, Ladakhis need to take bigger responsibility to lead Ladakh towards sustainable development making the region self reliant by utilizing our own natural and human resources.
Highlighting the endeavour of LAHDC CEC said that the council is making every possible effort to bring comprehensive projects based on local resources, like Pashmina, Horticulture, seabuckthorn, agriculture which holds immense potential in revenue and employment generation for the locals. Besides, trainings are being imparted for capacity building to govt. and public representatives, farmers, growers and stakeholders to improve their efficiency and work capability.
On the occasion special prize was awarded to Ladakh Women Alliance for their great contribution in preserving the fragile eco-system of Ladakh region and similarly, few more were also awarded with citations and prizes. The function ended with prize distribution to the position holders in March Past and cultural programme.
On this occasion, Executive Councilors, Councilors, DC Leh, SP Leh, leaders of different political, religious and social organizations, institutional heads, Army officers and district officers were present.
The reports of Independence day celebrations was also received from Nyoma, Khaltsi and Nubra Sub-divisions where respective SDMs hoisted National Tri-color while as the Tehsildars and BDOs at Durbuk, Panamik, Turtuk, Sumoor, Kharu Khaltsi, Saspol and Chushot have unfurled the National Tri-color at parades at these block headquarters.
At Bandipora Minister of State for Home Nasir Aslam Wani today unfurled the tricolor on 66th Independence day at Bandipora and took salute on the March Past.
The contingents of JK Police, JKAP, CRPF,IRP,NCC and students of different schools took part in the March Past.
MLA Bandipora Nizam-ud-Din Bhat Ex-MLA Ghulam Rasool Naaz, Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Manzoor Ahmed Lone besides Police, Civil, and Army Officers were present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Nasir highlighted the historical importance of the Independence Day and urged upon the people to contribute in the developmental progress of the state. He said that the present coalition government has launched numerous ambitious projects across the state for the welfare of the people.
Referring the empowerment of Panchayats Nasir said with the empowerment of these institutions, the developmental activities get new lease of life particularly in rural belt of the J&K. He asked them to utilize their powers sincerely.