69th Republic Day celebrated across Kashmir Division

Veeri unfurls tricolour in Srinagar

Veeri unfurls tricolour in Srinagar

Srinagar, Jan 26 (KNS): In connection with celebration of 69th Republic-Day, functions were held across Kashmir Division with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervor on Friday.

The main function was held at Sher-i-Kashmir Cricket Stadium Sonwar in Srinagar where Minister for Revenue, Haj and Auqaf, Abdul Rehman Veeri unfurled the national flag and took salute at the march past presented by the contingents of JK Police, JKAP, ITBP, BSF, CRPF,Fire and Emergency Services, Forest Protection Force, NCC cadets and students.

 Among others, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Baseer Ahmad Khan, Inspector General of Police Kashmir, Muneer Ahmed Khan, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, senior officers of civil administration, Police and Paramilitary Forces besides large gathering of people attended the function.

 Speaking on the occasion, Veeri said that the present coalition Government has been striving hard for the resolution of all political issues through dialogue. “People have realized that violence only leads to destruction. The spirit behind formation of the present coalition government was to pull State out of uncertainty and violence through dialogue process,” he added.

The Minister said Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has been stressing for dialogue and reconciliation with stakeholders from day one. “Center acknowledged and understood his suggestions and appointed an interlocutor to start dialogue process in the state,” he added.

“We are hopeful that all shades of opinion in the State would join the peace process and would pull State out of all difficulties which would eventually form a roadmap.”

 Expressing concern over the ceasefire violations on borders, Veeri said that borders can be made peaceful with the good relations between two neighbours.

 The Minister also said that Chief Minister has granted general amnesty to 10,000 youth who were involved in different cases from 2008 to 2017.

To channelize the talent of youth, the Minister said that under the Chief Minister Super 50 coaching NIIT, IIT, IAS and KAS mentoring and coaching was facilitated. Besides for building basic sports infrastructure Government in one of the initiatives started construction of Bakshi Stadium on the pattern of FIFA.

 “Indoor stadiums will be set up in all the districts of the valley under the Prime Ministers Reconstruction Programme at a cost of Rs 48 crore.  The process of setting up these sports centres was expedited during Chief Ministers outreach programme.”

Veeri said 60,000 casual and other categories of workers were provided permanent employment. “It had become a social issue and our government initiated the process of regularizing their services.”

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Baseer Ahmed Khan and ADG Muneer Ahmed Khan provided Rs 5000 each to the Deaf and Dumb students for their performances.

 Similarly, Republic day celebration functions were held in other parts of the valley.

At Budgam, Minister for Agricultural Production, Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura, unfurled the national flag and took salute at March past by contingents of JKP, JKAP, CRPF, Home Guards, NCC and of school students at the main function, held at Sports Ground Budgam.

 Deputy Commissioner, Mohammad Harun Malik, SSP Tajinder Singh and senior officers of the district attended the function, besides a large number of locals also turned up to the venue to witness the march past parade.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti led PDP-BJP government was committed to overall development of the state. He said that efforts are on to address the genuine issues of the public and the Government was taking steps to reach out to the youth positively.

He said that from the issues of illiteracy to unemployment all the youth-related issues were under due consideration of the Government to address them with introducing job-oriented initiatives and schemes in the state.

 “The government gave amnesty to revert the cases of over 9000 youth, who was involved in law and order issues, and has announced to provide jobs to the pellet hit victims,” the Minister said.

Terming the unrest of 2016 as the unfortunate period for the State, the Minister said that former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed forged an alliance with the BJP for peaceful resolution of Kashmir. He said that government is putting in concerted efforts to achieve these developmental goal to move the state on path of peace and progress.

 “Now we can see that PM has shown his seriousness towards the resolution of Kashmir and appointed an interlocutor for initiating talks on Kashmir,” he said. He said that for the resolution of Kashmir and overall development of the State, the state government was trying to create a peaceful atmosphere.

He said that people should cooperate with the Government for peace and development. “This land has been home of saints and Sufis. We should live in brotherhood and harmony with each other as our elders have lived here,” he said.

On the occasion, different cultural programmes were presented by school students who mesmerized the audience with their scintillating performances.

SHO Budgam, Mohammad Rafi was also rewarded for his meritorious service and other media persons were felicitated for their services. Besides students were also felicitated for their excellence in academics and sports.

 Meanwhile, the day was also celebrated with nationalist fervour at Subdivision and Tehsil levels of the district.

At Shopian, Republic Day celebration was held at District Police Lines Shopian with great enthusiasm and fervour in a patriotic atmosphere.

 Javaid Mustafa Mir, Minister for Disaster Management, Relief Rehabilitation & Reconstruction and Floriculture hoisted the national flag and inspected the parade.

Later, he took the salute of the march past which comprised of contingents of CRPF, JKP, JKAP, Fire and Emergency Services, Forest Protection Force, volunteers of Home Guard and students of different schools.

Addressing the function, Javaid Mustafa Mir said that Republic Day is the most significant day in the history of India as on this day in 1950 the country adopted the world largest written constitution. He further added that after attaining freedom and adoption of the constitution, the country made strides in various sectors particularly education, science, agriculture, health, power and other fields.  He also said that India has the largest democracy in the world where everyone enjoys fundamental rights and every citizen has been conferred with equal rights irrespective of caste, colour and creed.

The Minister said that the present collation government under the aegis of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti is doing its best for all-round development of the State particularly for the upliftment of backward and downtrodden sections. A number of schemes and programmes have been launched for their betterment and welfare, he added.

 He informed that the Government is planning to construct a tunnel on Mughal road tunnel from Zaznar to Chhatapani. He added that the proposed tunnel will shorten the distance by 20 kilometres.

The function concluded with distribution of prizes by the chief guest among the parade contingents and students who secured the first and second position in their performance.

 Deputy Commissioner, Senior Superintendent of Police, Additional Deputy Commissioner, senior officers of civil and police administration, senior citizens of the district and students were present on the occasion, besides a huge gathering of the public.

At Ganderbal, Minister of State for Health, Medical Education, Social Welfare, Housing and Urban Development, Asiea Naqash unfurled the Tricolor at Madre-Meherban Stadium Ganderbal.

 The Minister took salute over the march past presented by District Police Ganderbal, JKAP-8th BN, PTS Manigam, IRP-8th BN, CRPF-118 BN, Home Guards, SPOs and school children. Cultural programmes were also presented on the occasion.

 MLA Ganderbal, Sheikh Ishfaq Jabbar, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Dr. Piyush Singla, SSP Ganderbal, Mr. Fayaz Ahmad Lone, Army Officers, District Officers, and citizens participated in the function.

At Bandipora, the main function was held at S K Sports Stadium, Bandipora where Minister for Youth Services & Sports, Technical Education and IT, Molvi Imran Raza Ansari unfurled the National Flag and took the salute at the march past, presented by the contingents of JKP, JKAP, IRP, CRPF,  Fire & Emergency Services, NCC cadets and School Children .

 Addressing the function, the Minister gave the historical background of the Republic Day and said that the best way of celebration is to ensure sustainable peace and development in the State, for which he sought peoples' cooperation.

Referring to the developmental scenario of the district, the Minister said that the government headed by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti is committed to the overall development of the State, including district Bandipora. He said during current financial year 22 development projects, including 12 roads, eight water supply schemes and two bridges have been completed,  besides,724 Rural Development works generating 1.90 lakh man-days of work were also completed, while as 125-kilometre road length was macadamized in the district during the year.

 The Minister said that various mega projects including District Hospital are nearing completion which would be commissioned during this year.

 On the occasion, various cultural programmes were presented by school children.

 Later, the Minister gave away the prizes to contingents and students who performed best in the parade and cultural programme.  The awards were also given to students for their outstanding performance in the academics during the year.

 Similar functions were held at Gurez and Sonawari subdivisions also. The Sub-Divisional Magistrate Gurez S.D Bali hoisted the tricolour at Gurez while as Tehsildar Sumbal unfurled the National Flag at Sumbal Sonawari.

At Kulgam, the main function was held at Government Degree College Kulgam where Minister for Public Works Department, Naeem Akhter, unfurled the tricolour, took the salute at the march past and inspected the parade.

In his Republic Day speech, the Minister congratulated the people and highlighted the significance of celebration of the Republic Day. He said it was due to the strenuous efforts of the current dispensation that the State is on the path of development. However, he underlined the need for peace in the path of progress and development of the State.

On the occasion, the Minister said that youth are the real assets of the State and the Government is keen to channelize their energies in a constructive way. He added that focus is being laid on building infrastructure for sports in the State. He said that the young and talented youth of the State are shining and proving their mettle at various sports competitions at national level.

The Minister also spoke on the initiatives taken by the Government to put the State on the path of development. He said that execution work on the national highway is going on in an expeditious manner and by its completion, the travelling time from Srinagar to Jammu will be curtailed down.

He also highlighted the developmental achievements of the district and made a particular mention of health, education, road connectivity, potable drinking water, and other sectors.

 The contingents of CRPF, District Police, IRP, Fire & Emergency, District Home Guard, school children and NCC cadets participated in the march past.

Later, a colourful cultural programme was presented by various clubs educational institutions.

The Minister distributed prizes and mementoes among the lifetime achievers, outstanding persons in diverse walks of life and meritorious students.

The function was attended by Member of Parliament, Nazir Ahmad Laway, MLA DH Pora, Abdul Majeed Padder, Deputy Commissioner, SSP, other civilian and para-military officers besides, a large gathering of people of the district.

Similar functions were also held at sub-division DH Pora and Tehsil headquarters.

At Anantnag, the main function was held at Government Degree College Khanabal in which Minister for Rural Development & Panchayati Raj and Law & Justice, Abdul Haq Khan, unfurled the tricolour, took the salute at the march past, and inspected the parade.

In his Republic Day speech, the Minister congratulated the people and highlighted the significance of celebration of the day.

 The Minister said it was due to the efforts of the current dispensation that the Central government appointed an interlocutor for a dialogue with the stakeholders. He underlined the need for peace being the prerequisite for progress and development of the state.

 On the occasion, the Minister said that youth is the real assets of the State and the Government is very keen to channelize their energies in a constructive way and said that Government is reviving tourism, industries and handicraft sectors, where they can generate their livelihoods.

 The Minister also spoke on the initiatives taken by the Government in regularizing the casual labourers and daily-rated wagers. In his speech, he made a specific mention of the Chief Minister’s public outreach initiatives as innovative ones and the impact it is having at the ground level.

 He also highlighted the developmental achievements of the district and made a particular mention of health, education, road connectivity, potable drinking water, and other sectors.

He gave out that five new medical colleges are coming up in the State, while as work on Government Medical College Anantnag is going on in full swing. Besides, work on 70 mega projects is also going on with an estimated cost of Rs 852 crores.

The Minister also highlighted the achievements in the district under various flagship programmes like AMRUT, MGNREGS, TSP, and like schemes.

 The contingents of CRPF, District Police, IRP, District Ladies Police, Fire & Emergency, SPO District Police, District Home Guard, school children and NCC cadets participated in the march past.

 Later, colourful cultural troupes were presented by Information Department and school children of various educational institutions.

 The chief guest, later, distributed prizes and mementoes among the best performers and meritorious students.

 The grand function was attended by MLA HS Bugh, Deputy Commissioner, DIG South Kashmir, SSP, other civilian and para-military officers besides, a large gathering of people of the district.

 Similar functions were also held at sub-Division Pahalgam, Kokernag, Dooru and Tehsil headquarters.

  At Kupwara, Minister for Social Welfare, ARI & Trainings, Science and Technology Sajad Gani Lone hoisted the tricolour at District Police Lines, followed by inspection of parade, and took the salute at combined march past comprising of contingents of Jammu and Kashmir Police, JK Armed Police,CRPF, IRP, F&ES, FPF, NCC, Brass bands of District Police and 3rd JK Life Infantry.

 Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that we should respect the democratic system so that we may be able to help and resolve the issues of the people through democratic manner. He said that a huge developmental package of Rs 80,000 crore has been given by the Union Government to carry out the developmental activities in the State. He said Rs 1000 cr for Power generation projects under PMDP at Karnah, Mawar and Lolab are under the consideration at different levels to provide electricity within the district within three years.

 He said that State has achieved much in every sector, Rs.35 crore have been proposed for establishment of Bio-Tech Park for farming community at Handara, besides 190 kanals of land for Walnut Research Centre at Kulangam (Handwara), besides Bungus Valley is being connected through road connectivity to promote the Tourism sector. The Minister sought full cooperation from all sections of society for inclusive development.

He said that to resolve the problems confronting the women folk a helpline has been established in Social Welfare Department, where they could register their complaints.

He said the peace is important for overall development of the district. During his speech, the Chief Guest threw light on progress achieved in different developmental activities like MGNREGA, PMAY, PMGSY, Health, Power, BADP and TMVs, and Road Projects.

The GOC 28th Division, District Development Commissioner Kupwara Khalid Jahangir, SSP Kupwara Shamsheer Husain, District and Sectorial officers of administration, officers from various armed forces services, officers from civil and police, representatives of different political parties were present at the function.

 On this occasion, several colourful cultural items organized by the Education Youth Services & Sports and Information department were presented by the local artists and school children.

 The Minister later distributed prizes, trophies and certificates of appreciation among best performers in different fields of achievements in the district.

 At Baramulla, a grand function was organized at District Police Lines Baramulla, with Minister for Horticulture Syed Basharat Bukhari as the Chief Guest.

 DIG North Kashmir VK Birdi, DDC Baramulla Dr Nasir Ahmad Naqash, SSP, Mir Imtiyaz, ADC Farooq Ahmad Baba, and all district Officers besides civil citizens attended the function.

Minister hoisted the tricolour and inspected the Parade and took salute to the March Past presented by the contingents of District Police, CRPF, Fire and Emergency Service and School children.

 Highlighting the importance of Republic Day, Minister stressed for promoting national integration, communal harmony and peace. He in his speech stressed upon the fact that these are the basic building blocks needed for making the Nation strong and great.

The Minister also highlighted the fact that state has shown tremendous growth in Education, Health and Horticulture sectors and various schemes have been successfully implemented in the State. He said that road connectivity has been ensured in all the areas of the state. He said that government is to going establish a cold storage to preserve the horticulture produce particular apple so that every benefit accrues to the fruit growers, boosting their economy and thereby financial health of the state. He also said that government is committed to promote tourism and education sectors and already 400 high schools and higher secondary schools have been established so that the children from far-flung area take benefits. He said 61,000 daily wagers have been regularized by the present government.

 Various cultural programmes depicting the cultural diversity and heritage of the state were presented by the groups of school children and Information Department. Skits based on the theme of “National Integration” were presented by the school children.

 A Prize distribution ceremony was held, wherein awards were presented to the Schools for their best performance in March Pasts and Cultural programme presentation. Officers were also given awards for their excellent works in different fields.

Meanwhile, functions in connection with the Republic day celebration were held across the district at Sub-Divisional and Tehsil levels.

 At Pulwama, the 69th Republic Day was celebrated at the District Police Lines, Pulwama with great fervour and enthusiasm where Deputy Commissioner, Ghulam Mohammad Dar unfurled the national flag and took the salute at the march past. Contingents of JKP, JKAP, IRP, CRPF, Fire and Emergency and School children participated in the march past.

 SSP Pulwama Mohammad Aslam and other officers of Police and Civil administration were present on the occasion.

Scores of people from all the corners of the district attended the Republic Day celebrations.

Speaking on the occasion, the Depu ty Commissioner highlighted the importance of Republic Day and threw light on the various developmental activities undergoing in the district and the role played by civil administration and police in maintaining peace and prosperity in the district.

Various colourful and mesmerizing cultural programmes were presented by the artists of Information Department and  Youth Services & Sports.

The students belonging to the various government institutions who recently passed the class 12th examination with outstanding merit were also felicitated on the occasion.  The Deputy Commissioner distributed mementoes, trophies, and prizes among the students and contingents who participated in cultural events and March past. The district administration also felicitated the recent KAS 2017 qualifiers belonging to the district.

 District Information Officer Dr Mohammad Zubair Lattoo and Naseer Ahmad Cameraman Information department were also felicitated on the occasion.

Republic Day celebrations were also held at both Sub-Divisions and Tehsil headquarters in the district.

At Awantipora ADC Showkat Ahmad Rather hoisted the national flag, and took the salute at the March-Past.

 On the occasion, ADC Pulwama highlighted the importance of the Republic Day. Officers from Civil Administration, Police and Army were also present at the celebration.

 At Tral, SDM Reyaz Ahmad hoisted the National flag, and took the salute at the March-Past.

 Similarly, the National flags were hoisted at Tehsil headquarters by respective Tehsildars in the district.

At Kargil, the Republic Day was celebrated with immense patriotic zeal and gaiety with Chairman and Chief Executive Councilor, LAHDC, Kargil Kacho Ahmad Ali Khan hoisting the national tricolor at Khree Sultan Chow Sports Stadium. He took salute at an impressive march past by the contingents of Jammu and Kashmir Police, NCC, civil and police band parties besides a number of contingents of government and private educational institutions.

Khan while congratulating the people on the 69th Republic Day recalled the contributions of Constitution makers and supreme sacrifices of the national heroes who laid down their lives for the country. He hailed the services of the army, paramilitary forces and police in guarding the frontiers of the country in harsh weather conditions and for maintaining peace, order and internal security in the country.

While highlighting the achievements and current developmental activities undertaken by the present council in Kargil District, the CEC said that the council is fully committed towards the wholesome development of the district and several important initiatives are presently underway in this regard.

Kacho thanked the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister for Civil Aviation Ashok Gajapati Raju, Union Surface Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and Chairman Legislative Council Haji Anayat Ali for sanctioning of Rs 6,809 crore Zojila Tunnel Project and for the recent finalizing of the deal for construction of the tunnel by Signing MOU with IL&FS Company, inclusion of Kargil under Udaan 2 scheme and sanctioning of Air Service between Kargil to Srinagar at a low cost of Rs 1410 per passenger.

A colorful cultural bonanza was also presented by the students which mesmerized the gathering.

Among others who were present on the occasion included Executive Councilor for Education Advocate Muhammad Amir, Executive Councilor for Health Muhammad Hussain , Deputy Commissioner and CEO, LAHDC, Kargil Haji Gulzar Hussain, Senior Superintendent of Police Kargil Tsering Gyalpo , Brigade Commander 121 Infantry Brigade, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kargil Imteeyaz Ahmad Khan Kacho, Additional Superintendent of Police Arun Gupta, ,councilors, senior civil, police  and army officers, representatives of religious, social and political organizations and a large number of general public.

Meanwhile, Republic Day was also celebrated at Sub Division Drass, Sankoo, Zanskar and Shakar Chikten besides Tehsil Tai Suru and Shargole.

At Leh, 69th Republic Day of India was celebrated at Historic Polo Ground where CEC LAHDC, Dr. Sonam Dawa Lonpo unfurled the national tri-colour and took salute at the march past by the contingents of police, paramilitary, NCC and school children.

This year, tableaux by Health Department, Education Department and Rural Development Department showcasing their achievements and contribution was also displayed on the occasion.

All the Executive Councilors, Councillors, DC, Leh, SSP, Leh, top-ranking civil and army officers and leaders of political, religious and social organizations were present on the occasion.

CEC Leh made a special mention about the Constitution of India drafted by Baba Sahib Ambedkar which provides equality for all and ensures security for every citizens of India. He said that this occasion is a day to take commitment to respect our constitution and serve our motherland and contribute our part for development and progress of our nation.

Referring to the power scenario of Leh district, the CEC mentioned that in addition to Alchi Hydel Project, Leh will soon have 20 MW Hydel Power projects each at Taksha and Shayok besides a 20 MW Solar Power Plant at Taru-thang and 11 more major and minor power projects at different places.

Talking about the upcoming project of Eco-Village under tourism sector at the banks of Pangong village, Dr. Dawa said that Council has identified a suitable land at Pangong- Tso for villages situated along the lake which will be developed in a planned way to benefit the local people with due share.

Giving a detailed scenario of ongoing projects under UIDSSMT and AMRUT in Leh City, Dr. Dawa gave assurance to complete all the projects by end of next working season.

All Sub Divisions, Tehsils and Block Headquarters of Leh District also celebrated 69th Republic Day at their respective headquarters. (KNS) 

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