Srinagar, Aug 15: The tricolour flew high across Jammu & Kashmir on Saturday as Independence Day celebrations were held with patriotic fervour and passed off peacefully, with no untoward incident reported from anywhere.
The main Independence Day function was held at Srinagar amid elaborate security arrangements, where Chief Minister Omar Abdullah hoisted the national flag and took the salute of the ceremonial parade, marking the occasion amid tight security and a festive atmosphere.
A senior police officer said the celebrations remained peaceful across the Union Territory. “There was no untoward incident anywhere. The celebrations passed off peacefully,” he said.
From Srinagar to Jammu and from district headquarters to smaller towns, government buildings, educational institutions and public spaces were decked up for the national occasion. The national flag was unfurled at various venues as people gathered to mark the 80th Independence Day.
The Srinagar function witnessed a ceremonial parade comprising contingents from the police, security forces and other participating units. The march-past and disciplined formations added to the patriotic atmosphere as the Chief Minister reviewed the parade and took the salute.
The celebrations were not confined to official ceremonies. Cultural programmes formed an important part of the festivities across the UT, with students, artists and local groups presenting patriotic songs, traditional performances and colourful cultural programmes.
In several districts, schoolchildren participated in cultural presentations and programmes highlighting the country’s unity in diversity, while patriotic performances added colour to the celebrations.
The day also witnessed enthusiastic participation by people from different sections of society, with the tricolour visible at government offices, institutions and public spaces.
In Srinagar, the iconic Clock Tower at Lal Chowk also became a focal point of Independence Day celebrations, with the Tricolour illuminating the landmark and tourists joining locals in marking the national occasion.
Officials said elaborate security and traffic arrangements had been put in place across Jammu and Kashmir to ensure smooth conduct of the celebrations.
The peaceful conclusion of the events was seen as a reflection of the coordinated arrangements made by the administration and security agencies. The tricolour fluttered across towns and villages, with patriotic programmes and public participation giving the 80th Independence Day a vibrant and peaceful finish across Jammu & Kashmir.
