UT’s first Republic Day celebrated amid tight security arrangements

JAMMU: Amid tight security arrangements, the 71st Republic Day was celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety across the Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday with Lt Governor G C Murmu unfurling the national flag at the main function in Jammu and his advisor Farooq Khan presiding over the main function in Srinagar, where most mainstream politicians stayed away.
This was the first Republic Day after Jammu and Kashmir's special status was withdrawn on August 5 last year and the erstwhile state was divided into two Union Territories.
Murmu unfurled the tricolour at the jam-packed Maulana Azad Stadium in the heart of the city, inspected the parade and took salute at an impressive march past which was commanded by Colonel Rajesh Kumar Sharma of the 5th battalion of J&K Light Infantry (JAKLI).
Besides JAKLI, the contingents of BSF, CRPF, Jammu and Kashmir Armed Police, Indian Reserve Police, Disaster Response Force, Jammu and Kashmir Fire and emergency services, ex-servicemen, NCC girls and boys and Bharat scouts took part in the march past.
He also addressed the function, witnessing cultural and sports programmes by young boys and girls, and scintillating performance by local police's daredevils' motorcycle stunt team.
An IAF chopper showered flower petals at the start of the function, which attracted huge applause, while three helicopters flew overhead at regular intervals during the event.
With three former chief ministers -- National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, his son Omar Abdullah and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti -- still under detention in Srinagar, the only prominent face among the politicians at the official function was Jammu and Kashmir BJP president Ravinder Raina.
"This Republic Day is historic for the people of Jammu and Kashmir because the dream of our martyrs for 'Ek Nishan, Ek Vidhan and Pradhan' (one Constitution, one flag and one sovereign head) became a reality. Only the national flag fluttered this time," Raina told reporters at the end of the function.
Before attending the official function, the Lt Governor went to the Balidan Stambh earlier in the day and paid tribute to the brave security personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty to the country.
The function at the Balidan Stambh in the heart of the city was organised by the Army as part of the Republic Day celebrations.
The roads in the city were sealed by police and paramilitary forces, and only vehicles with special passes were allowed to move freely, leading to boycott of the main official function by a group of scribes who alleged harassment on the name of security.
Patriotic fervor was visible across the city as local residents, including shopkeepers, were seen hoisting flags in their localities, while groups of enthusiastic youths, carrying tricolour, went around on their motorcycles and raised slogans in praise of the country.
Almost all political parties, including the Congress, National Conference, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), BJP and the National Panthers Party, unfurled the national flag in and outside their party headquarters to mark the occasion.
In Kashmir Valley, the 71st Republic Day was celebrated amidst tight security with the main function being held at the Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium, where Lieutenant Governor's advisor Farooq Khan presided over the function and took the salute at the march past after unfurling the national flag.
Most of the mainstream politicians stayed away from the function as top leaders of regional parties like the National Conference and Peoples Democratic Party are under detention since August 5.
Braving chilly weather conditions, continents of police and other security forces took part in the parade after Khan was given the guard of honour.
Addressing the gathering, Khan paid rich tributes to Dr B R Ambedkar who gave the Constitution which guarantees rights to every citizen without discrimination on the basis of caste, colour, region or religion.
He also paid tributes to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives to preserve the country's sovereignty.
He said introduction of Back to Village program, a unique initiative to register and address public grievances at people's doorstep, witnessed huge participation and the officers of the civil administration reached out to every corner of the UT.
Under the programme, he said, a number of developmental projects have been taken up, some have been completed while others are nearing completion.
To strengthen the democracy at the grassroots level and to involve people in decision-making process for development, he said Panchayat election were conducted across Jammu and Kashmir, but the highlight of 2019 was holding of the first ever Block level Development Committee Elections.
Hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for exhibiting keenness in the development and progress of Jammu and Kashmir, the advisor said the Central government has taken a slew of measures in this regard.
Khan said that government is keen to develop sports infrastructure to provide platform to the youths so that they can showcase their talent at national and international level.
The advisor hailed the police department for maintaining peace in Jammu and Kashmir and lauded the efforts of the people who are working for peace and prosperity of the UT.
Later, Advisor Khan awarded Basketball player, Ishrat Akhter who represented the country in Thailand recently.