Independence Day 2022: J&K Lt Guv Manoj Sinha Declares August 5 As 'Freedom From Corruption Day'

Independence Day celebrations took place in Srinagar amid heightened security, Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha presided over the event.

New Delhi: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha presided over the Independence Day celebrations in Srinagar on Monday.

During his address at the event, Sinha announced that August 5 will be celebrated as 'Freedom from Corruption day' in the union territory every year.

On August 5, 2019, the Union government revoked the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 through a Presidential Order and made the entire Constitution of India applicable to the erstwhile state. This implied that the Article 35A also stood abolished.

Independence Day celebrations took place at the Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium which Sinha presided over and in his address, he said that in the new Jammu and Kashmir the grounds for the youths to realise their hopes and dreams are being prepared.  

Speaking about the revocation of article 370, and the changes it made Sinha said that PM Modi "lit a lamp of modern economic and social development" in the union territory. He added that the J&K administration has made notable achievements since. He said that the adminstration has completed 50,726 projects in the last financial year. 

"Three years back, PM Modi lit a lamp of modern economic & social development in J&K... J&K admin achieved notable achievements. Despite various challenges, we completed 50,726 projects in last financial year with a five-time speed", ANI quoted Sinha as saying.

The Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor said that the continuous drives against corruption will be done throughout the year. 

The contingents that participated in the march-past parade included contingents of police, Jammu and Kashmir Armed Police, CRPF, Sashastra Seema Bal, Fire and Emergency Services, Forest Protection Force, National Cadet Corps, Civil Defence Department besides students from 14 schools of Srinagar. 

Security was heightened in Kashmir, ahead of the main celebration in Srinagar as several drones, snipers, and policemen in plain clothes were deployed for surveillance. Vehicles were being checked at several places.

Sharpshooters were deployed at all high-rise buildings surrounding the stadium to prevent any untoward incidents. The Srinagar police also released aerial surveillance to prevent any attempts of disruption.