Mubashir Bukhari
Srinagar (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir celebrated its first Republic Day after abrogation of Article 370 today amid a heavy security cover across the Union Territory.
The main function was held at Sher-I-Kashmir Cricket Stadium in Srinagar, where heavy deployment of CRPF and J&K Police guarded the venue. Hundreds of security personnel were deployed across all the roads leading to the venue of the main official function.
Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Farooq Khan hoisted the national flag at Sher-I-Kashmir Stadium and took the salute of the parade.
In his address, Khan touched upon the various developmental schemes launched in the union territory.
Khan praised Prime Minister and Home Minister for focusing on the development of Jammu and Kashmir. “The central and JK government are focused to improve the road and rail connectivity of the newly created Union Territory besides developing education sector,” he said in his R-day speech.
He praised security agencies including Jammu and Kashmir police for marinating peace across J&K. “We are satisfied over the role of administration in providing services to the people during this harsh winter. We also seek support from all stakeholders for bringing ever-lasting peace in the Union territory,” Khan said.
At the R-day function, 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 took part in the march past.
Later, cultural programmes were performed by students. Republic day functions were also held across all district headquarters.
In Jammu, Lt Governor G.C. Murmu hoisted the national flag at Maulana Azad Stadium.
In his address at the Republic Parade in Jammu, LG said that abrogation of Article 370 has “united J&K to the country in its true sense”.
He also said that the abrogation of temporary provisions has driven away the financial and legal obstacles between J&K and other parts of the country.
Mobile phone services were snapped as a precautionary measure till 4 PM today. In Srinagar, shops remained closed and there was minimal moment of vehicles on roads.
Suspension of mobile phone and internet services on Republic Day and Independence Day has been part of the security drill in the Kashmir since 2005.
Separatist groups like Hurriyat Conference used to call for a shutdown on January 26 and August 15 but no such call was issued this year as most of the separatist leaders are under detention since August 5 following the abrogation of provisions of Article 370.
