Jammu: Amid tight security arrangements, the 72nd Republic Day was celebrated with traditional fervour across Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday with the Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha unfurling the national flag at the main function held in Jammu.
Wearing a black Karakul cap and black suit, Sinha unfurled the tricolour at the Maulana Azad Stadium in the heart of the city, inspected the parade and took salute at an impressive march-past of J&K Light Infantry.
The Lt Governor inspected the parade and took the salute at an impressive march past.
In his address, Lt Governor said: “With the Constitution of India in one hand and the Tricolour in the other, all the people of villages and towns, with dreams of progress in their eyes, have started building a new Jammu and Kashmir to fulfill their ambitions and those of the nation.”
He described year 2020 as “a year of unprecedented change” in Jammu and Kashmir, adding, “Through a continuous process of change, the roots of progress have been planted in the new Jammu and Kashmir.”
Appreciating security agencies, Sinha said that these agencies have effectively controlled violence and those ‘who are trying to fulfill their political motives with the help of this proxy war are being given a befitting reply.’
Lamenting that for a long time, the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir were denied grassroots democracy, the Lt Governor said, “We have been successful in conducting a violence-free, free and fair elections to District Development Councils. We assure all the elected representatives that with your support, administration will bring the fruits of development to the last person standing in the queue.”
Detailing different initiatives taken by his administration to better the power sector, health care, economy and other sectors, Sinha said, “Though Covid-19 shook our economy and social life badly for some time, now the darkness has been dispelled. With the dawn of a new morning, we are taking forward the economy and the social welfare programmes of Jammu and Kashmir.”
Motorcycle Acrobatics displayed by J&K Police, besides Youth displaying various musical performances, cultural and sports activities were the main attractions of the programme. Scores of students from various schools presenting a cultural spectacle based on national integration and the glorious composite heritage of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir marked the day.
The smart contingents from Army, BSF, CRPF,SSB, women contingents of the JKAP, JKAP/IRP, J&K Police, Disaster Response Force, J&K Fire and Emergency Services, J&K Forest Protection Force, Excise Department, ex-Servicemen, NCC Boys and Girls, Bharat Scouts and Guides (Girls & Boys) , Boys and Girls from various schools and Bands of Army, BSF, J&K Police, Jammu and Kashmir Armed Police and scores of Boys and Girls Schools participated in the Parade.
Earlier, the Lieutenant Governor laid wreath at Police Martyrs Memorial and Balidan Stambh. He paid homage to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the honour of the country. “We are eternally indebted to our men in uniform for their supreme sacrifices towards ensuring integrity and sovereignty of India”, said the Lt Governor.
Besides the First Lady, the colourful celebrations of Republic Day filled with patriotic ethos was witnessed by Chief Justice Jammu and Kashmir High Court; State Election Commissioner; Advisors to the Lt Governor; Judges of the J&K High Court; Mayor Jammu Municipal Corporation; Members of Parliament; Chief Secretary; DGP; elected representatives of ULBs and PRIs; former Legislators; senior Civil, Police and Army officers; political and social activists; prominent citizens from all walks of life; media persons and the citizenry.
