Srinagar: Amid tight security arrangements, Republic Day functions in Kashmir Valley concluded peacefully as the main function was held at Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium at high security Sonawar.
R R Bhatnagar, Advisor to Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, presided over the Republic Day function in Srinagar.
The contingents of various wings of the police and paramilitary forces took part in the march past, the officials said.
They said a cultural programme , showcasing the diverse art and culture of the union territory, was performed after the parade.
In his Republic Day address, Bhatnagar lauded the role played by health care workers and other allied personnel in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. He also praised the security forces for maintaining law and order and battling subversive elements in Kashmir.
Highlighting the significance of constitution in his address, the advisor said that the doctrine of our constitution has laid the foundation of modern India we are currently living in.
“Our founding fathers and visionary leaders brought together a diversity of views on a single platform to forge a common national spirit by drafting and enacting this unique constitution which has been imbibed from generation to generation”, he said, adding, this day marks the celebration of the empowerment of Indian citizens to select their own government which shaped the identity of our country as a modern nation.
The advisor remarked that these are historic times for Jammu and Kashmir as it is seeing a new dawn. A dawn which promises hope, a dawn which will bring prosperity, a dawn which will lead to progress and development, a dawn which will usher J&K towards peace and the best way to overcome misgivings is to reaffirm our commitment to abide by the values of our Republic.
He further said that Jammu and Kashmir has always been an integral part of the ethos and culture of India in each and every respect embracing every religion and every tradition of varied cultures. “And this peaceful co-existence here has reflected in the lives of the inhabitants of this beautiful land,” he added.
The advisor also highlighted the infrastructure development initiatives of the administration while outlining the benefits of various social welfare schemes rolled out for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Republic Day celebrations passed off peacefully as stringent security arrangements were put in place to foil any nefarious designs of the inimical elements.
Barricades were erected at all major intersections in the city and security forces personnel were deployed in large numbers to maintain peace, law and order.
For the past one week, police with help of Army and CRPF have been carrying out area domination and other drills. The security forces also carried out drone surveillance to ensure peaceful celebrations not only in Srinagar but in all district headquarters.
The security forces have been carrying out random frisking of vehicles to prevent the movement of subversive elements while the deployment of security forces around vital installations and sensitive areas in the city was increased.
