76th Republic Day celebrations
Deputy Chief Minister unfurls National
Flag at Bakshi Stadium
Reiterates demand of Statehood
restoration to Jammu & Kashmir
SRINAGAR JANUARY
26: Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, unfurled the National Flag
to mark 76th Republic Day celebrations at Bakshi Stadium here today.
He inspected the
parade and took salute from the contingents of JKP, BSF, CRPF, JKAP, SSB, ITBP,
IRP, Women, Forest Protection Force and NCC.
In his address, the
Deputy Chief Minister reiterated the demand of restoration of Statehood to
Jammu and Kashmir. He appealed the Prime
Minister and Home Minister of India to fulfil their commitment of restoring Statehood
to J&K.
The Deputy Chief
Minister urged upon the Central Government to fulfil its promise of statehood
for Jammu & Kashmir. He said that the Prime Minister and Home Minister have
assured restoration of statehood to J&K once the government is formed. This
commitment is essential to win hearts of people and bring stability to Jammu
& Kashmir.
Surinder Choudhary
said that the present Government led by Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah is
committed to fulfil the promises made during the election campaign. He said
that all out efforts will be made to safeguard the interests of the people of
Jammu and Kashmir besides creating employment avenues for the unemployed youth.
The Deputy Chief
Minister highlighted the significance of constitution of India in establishing
framework for country's governance, protecting citizen rights and upholding
democracy. He said secularism is
foundation of India and constitution provides everyone the opportunity to live
with dignity and honour. He recalled that during partition period Mahatma
Gandhi saw only ray of hope for India in Jammu and Kashmir as people here are
peace loving and ambassadors of mutual brotherhood.
Surinder Choudhary
also spoke about the Kashmiri migrant Pandits saying that proactive steps are
being taken up for their dignified return to their homes. He also spoke about
the menace of drugs and urged the youth to keep themselves away from this
social evil. He said intensified deterrence measures are being taken against
the drug menace and its peddling, besides destroying the channels/ networks and
sources of drug peddling.
On the occasion,
colourful cultural programme was also presented by the artists of J&K
Academy of Art Culture and Languages and School and College students in the
form of patriotic song and other items which mesmerised the audiences.
The Deputy Chief
Minister, on the occasion, also presented awards to winners of best March Past,
best cultural programme as well as other categories.
National Conference
President, Dr Farooq Abdullah, several Legislators, prominent citizens and
people in large numbers attended the event.
Divisional
Commissioner Kashmir, IGP Kashmir; Administrative Secretaries, Deputy
Commissioner Srinagar, senior officers of Police and Civil administration,
heads of various departments, government officials and a large number of people
and school children were also present on the occasion.
Earlier, the Deputy Chief Minister accompanied
by senior officers visited the Balidan Stambh at Pratap Park and paid tributes
to martyrs in whose honour the Stambh has been built.