Srinagar: A mega Tiranga rally was held here on Sunday with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha asserting that the youth of Jammu and Kashmir love the national flag.
Sinha flagged off the ‘Tiranga Yatra’ in Srinagar and joined thousands of citizens in the walkathon from KICC to Botanical Garden.
Participating in the rally organized as part of Independence Day celebrations, Sinha, in an apparent reference to PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, said those who claimed that there won’t be anyone left in Jammu and Kashmir to raise the Tiranga (tricolor, national flag) should have seen the turnout at the rally.
“They, who used to say that there won’t be anyone left in Jammu and Kashmir to raise the Tiranga, would have understood that every youth of Jammu and Kashmir loves the national flag as much as people from any other part of the country,” Sinha said without taking any names.
The PDP president, in the run-up to the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, had said if Jammu and Kashmir’s special status was revoked, there will be no one left to raise the national flag.
“Today people of Jammu and Kashmir are being hailed across the country. As we are combining the people’s power and taking the development towards the poor and underprivileged, some people cannot bear this,” he said.
“There was a time when the youth of Kashmir was misled but today they are contributing to building the nation and Jammu and Kashmir. This is a proud moment for all of us. Let us come together and restore the status of Jammu and Kashmir as the jewel in the crown of India,” he added.
Sinha said he was feeling proud and satisfied that not only people from the administration and security forces were present in the rally but the common people of Kashmir also participated in it.
“I think and feel that respecting the tricolour is respecting the country and the brave soldiers who laid down their lives. People have understood that everyone has to guard the tricolour and everyone has to contribute to the development of the nation. I think this is a big change in Kashmir,” he said.
The Lt Governor said the Tricolor represents the dreams of our freedom fighters, our martyrs. I bow to all the great personalities who had made invaluable contributions and fought till their last breath for the progress and prosperity of the nation, he added.
“Today the entire J&K is participating in the Tiranga Yatra. The tricolor is flying high in the sky, streets are filled with enthusiasm. Participation of men, women, youths and senior citizens across the UT is an inspiration for the country as well,” the LG said.
“Let us walk together, let our hearts beat together, this is the resolve of Tiranga Yatra that binds every section of the society in one emotion. From Pulwama to Poonch, from Kulgam to Kathua, from Jammu to Srinagar, all houses in 20 districts are celebrating and hoisting tricolor,” the LG said.
At KICC, the LG administered the Prime Minister’s ‘Panch Pran’ pledge to the public representatives, officials and citizens who gathered in huge numbers to participate in the Tiranga Yatra.
“Together, J&K is marching towards a brighter future. People from all walks of life are working with one resolve to shape the future of J&K and contribute to the journey of ‘Viksit Bharat’. All are united in emotion- may our beloved and victorious tricolor fly high in the world,” he said.
The LG also expressed gratitude to the media fraternity for their support to the UT administration in creating a conducive environment in Jammu & Kashmir. (With additional inputs from PTI)
Photos: Javed Khan
