Srinagar/Jammu: Full-dress rehearsals for the 80th Independence Day celebrations were held across Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, with civil and security authorities reviewing arrangements ahead of the main functions on August 15.
At Srinagar’s Bakshi Stadium, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg hoisted the National Flag, inspected the parade and took the salute at the march-past presented by contingents of police, CRPF, NCC cadets, students and other security agencies. Earlier, he laid a floral wreath at Balidan Stambh.
Speaking to reporters, Garg said all arrangements for the Independence Day celebrations had been finalised and invited the public to attend the main function at Bakshi Stadium, where entry will remain open. He said adequate security arrangements had also been put in place.
Similar rehearsals were conducted across the districts of Baramulla, Anantnag, Shopian, Bandipora, Kulgam, Budgam, Kupwara, Pulwama and Ganderbal, where senior officers hoisted the National Flag and took the salute at march-pasts by police, paramilitary forces, Home Guards, NCC cadets and school students.
The rehearsals featured contingents of the J&K Police, CRPF, BSF, SSB, Fire and Emergency Services, Forest Protection Force and educational institutions. Cultural programmes, patriotic songs, folk performances and traditional dances were also presented by students and local artists.
Officials paid tributes to freedom fighters and martyrs and urged people to uphold the values of patriotism, unity and communal harmony. District administrations reviewed arrangements related to security, traffic management, sanitation, drinking water, power supply and healthcare to ensure the smooth conduct of the celebrations.
Meanwhile, a full-dress rehearsal was also held at MA Stadium in Jammu, where Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar hoisted the National Flag and took the salute at an impressive march-past.
Addressing participants, Kumar called upon citizens to uphold the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the nation and participate enthusiastically in the Independence Day celebrations while remembering the sacrifices of freedom fighters.
Deputy Commissioner Jammu Dr Rakesh Minhas, SSP Jammu Joginder Singh and other senior officers attended the event.
The parade comprised contingents of the BSF, CRPF, SSB, J&K Armed Police, SDRF, District Police Jammu, Fire and Emergency Services and the Forest Protection Force. Sixteen contingents from government and private schools, including NCC cadets, Sainik School Nagrota and various school bands, also participated.
Officials said the successful conduct of the rehearsals reflected the preparedness of the administration and participating departments for the 80th Independence Day celebrations across Jammu and Kashmir.
