Jammu: An airshow by the Indian Air Force (IAF) to commemorate 76 years of the accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India enthralled spectators here on Friday morning even as the event was cut short by a little over 15 minutes due to rains.
Thousands of people, mostly youngsters, thronged the Air Force Station here as the show was open to the public. The show was presented by the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT), Mi-17 helicopters and the Aakashganga Daredevil Skydiving team.
The act by the Air Warrior Drill Team and the musical performance by the IAF band drew a lot of applause and whistle-blowing.
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha was the chief guest at the event, which was organised jointly by the IAF and the Union Territory administration. The airshow was also to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of the Air Force Station, Jammu and raise awareness about aviation, an official press release informed.
Air officer commanding Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh Air Vice Marshal Praveen Keshav Vohra, and senior civil and police officers also witnessed the show.
Three Mi 17 helicopters of the 130 Helicopter unit, headed by Wing Commander Irfan Wahid Khan Jarial presented a flypast on the arrival of the chief guest.
“Indian Air Force is a glowing symbol of strength, bravery and dedication. I salute the Indian Air Force personnel for their magnificent heroism and the spirit of sacrifice. My deepest gratitude to the Air Warriors and their families,” the LG said.
The general public was also sensitized about the hazards for aviation and how they can assist in aviation safety through the first-of-its-kind airshow in Jammu.
Later, the LG felicitated the defence personnel and the members of the Aerobatic and Skydiving teams to mark the occasion.
Air Vice Marshal PK Vohra, AOC J&K, Ladakh; Air Commodore SS Rawat, AOC, Air Force Station, Jammu; Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to LG; Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; BR Sharma, State Election Commissioner J&K; senior officer of IAF, civil and police administration and Army attended the event.
