SRINAGAR: The 77th Republic Day was celebrated with enthusiasm and patriotic spirit across the Kashmir division, with flag unfurling ceremonies, parades and cultural programmes held at district, sub-division, tehsil and block levels.
Main functions were organised at district headquarters, where Chairpersons of District Development Councils, Deputy Commissioners and senior officials unfurled the National Flag, inspected ceremonial parades and took the salute. March-pasts by contingents of J&K Police, CRPF, IRP, Home Guards, NCC cadets and school children marked the celebrations.
Budgam: The main function was held at the Sports Stadium, Budgam, where Deputy Commissioner Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-din Bhat unfurled the National Flag and took the salute at the march-past. In his address, the DC paid tributes to freedom fighters and highlighted major developmental achievements, including the establishment of the District Hospital Budgam, completion of PHCs, road infrastructure, ring road connectivity and progress in education, health, Jal Shakti and power sectors. Colourful cultural performances and a prize distribution ceremony marked the event.
Bandipora: At S.K. Stadium Bandipora, Chairperson DDC Abdul Gani Bhat unfurled the Tricolour, inspected the parade and took the salute. The parade comprised contingents of CRPF, J&K Police, IRP, Home Guards, NCC cadets and school students, accompanied by the Police Band. Addressing the gathering, the DDC Chairperson highlighted developmental initiatives in infrastructure, education, healthcare and social welfare. Cultural performances by students added vibrancy to the celebrations.
Kulgam: The main function was held at DPL Kulgam, where DDC Chairperson Mohammad Afzal Parrey unfurled the National Flag and took the salute. Addressing the gathering, he highlighted achievements under District Capex, PMAY-G, Jal Jeevan Mission, MGNREGA and employment schemes, besides informing that Kulgam has been conferred the PM Award for performance. Cultural programmes, mass singing of Vande Mataram and an award ceremony marked the occasion.
Baramulla: Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, unfurled the National Flag at the DC Office Complex and took the salute. He paid rich tributes to freedom fighters and stressed the importance of unity, peace and inclusive development while urging citizens to uphold constitutional values.
Kupwara: The main function was held at DPL Kupwara, where DDC Chairperson Irfan Sultan Panditpori unfurled the National Flag, inspected the parade and took the salute. March-past contingents included JKP, JKAP, CRPF, IRP, Home Guards and school children, while departmental tableaux showcased welfare schemes. Addressing the gathering, the Chairperson highlighted achievements under District Capex, Jal Jeevan Mission, power, healthcare, education and major infrastructure projects including roads, railways and highways. Cultural programmes and an award ceremony followed.
Pulwama: At DPL Pulwama, DDC Chairperson Syed Abdul Bari Andrabi unfurled the National Flag and took the salute at the march-past. He highlighted key achievements, including Pulwama securing second rank nationally under the Aspirational Blocks Programme and receiving the National ODOP Award 2024 (Silver). Cultural performances, felicitation of meritorious individuals and honouring of martyrs’ families marked the celebrations.
Ganderbal: The main function at Qamaria Stadium saw DDC Chairperson Nuzhat Ishfaq unfurl the National Flag and take the salute. The celebrations, themed on Vande Mataram and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, featured parades, cultural programmes and departmental tableaux highlighting welfare schemes. Achievements across sectors and priorities such as women empowerment, public health and livelihood generation were highlighted.
Shopian: At DPL Shopian, DDC Chairperson Bilqees Jan unfurled the National Flag, inspected the parade and took the salute. Paying tributes to freedom fighters and martyrs, she emphasised democratic values and citizen participation in nation-building. Cultural programmes and felicitation of meritorious individuals marked the celebrations.
Similar Republic Day celebrations were held at sub-divisional, tehsil, block and panchayat levels, government offices and educational institutions across all districts of the Kashmir division.
