KUPWARA: Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani on Saturday hoisted the National Flag at the District Police Lines (DPL) Kupwara as the district celebrated the 80th Independence Day with official functions, a march-past and cultural programmes.
The celebrations began with the National Anthem and a ceremonial parade by contingents of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), other security forces and students from educational institutions. Wani inspected the parade and took the salute.
Addressing the gathering, Wani paid tributes to freedom fighters and said the people of the region had continued to place their faith in the democratic process despite various challenges over the years.
Highlighting developmental initiatives in the district, he said Rs 103 crore has been earmarked under the District Capex Budget and around 1,600 projects have been taken up across different sectors.
The Advisor said macadamisation of 187 kilometres of roads is underway in the district, while 11 roads are being executed under the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). He said a bridge at Regipora is under construction and the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed Sadhna Tunnel is being processed.
Wani also referred to the proposed Rs 16-crore Multi Sports Academy at Galizoo, Kupwara, and said the DPR for the project is under preparation. He added that a Rs 13-crore Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) for Kupwara town is being taken up to improve civic infrastructure.
On the education sector, he said efforts are underway to introduce additional courses and upgrade the University of Kashmir’s Kupwara Campus, including the establishment of a Nursing College. He also said work on the Lolab Bypass would be expedited.
The Advisor said the government’s focus remained on inclusive development, employment generation, improved healthcare and education facilities, and restoration of statehood.
The event also featured cultural performances by students and a prize distribution ceremony in which officials, members of civil society, media persons and other individuals were honoured for their contributions in various fields.
Among those present were MLA Lolab Qaiser Jamsheed Lone, MLA Trehgam Mir Saifullah, Deputy Commissioner Kupwara Shrikant Suse, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kupwara Al-Tahir Gilani, Deputy General Officer Commanding (Dy GOC) 28 Division Shakhtavat, Commanding Officer 41 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) Anupam Thapa, and senior civil and police officers.
