Independence Day was celebrated with fervour in J&K as people waved the tricolour at Lal Chowk in Srinagar. Jubilant Kashmiris were seen thronging Lal Chowk, in the heart of Srinagar, with the tricolour. The national flag was also unfurled atop the iconic 'Ghanta Ghar', which was renovated recently.
To avoid any untoward incident, a three-tier security blanket involving helicopter patrol and drone surveillance has been put in place in Kashmir, PTI reported. This time, there will be no restrictions or internet ban in Kashmir on Independence Day.
Unlike in the past, no barricades have been installed in the city. "There will be no suspension of internet services on Independence Day. We have not done it for the past three years. Schools will be open, shops will be open, traffic will ply as usual. I have appealed to people to participate in numbers in the Independence Day functions," Additional Director General of Police (Kashmir) Vijay Kumar told PTI.
After a gap of five years, the Independence Day function in J&K will return to the Bakshi Stadium. Governor Manoj Sinha will preside over the function and unfurl the national flag.
READ | 'We Pay Homage To Out Great Freedom Fighters...': PM Modi Wishes Citizens On 77th Independence Day
The stadium has hosted the main Independence Day event of Jammu and Kashmir over the decades but was closed in 2018 for renovation. In the last five years, the Independence Day function was held at the Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium in Sonawar.
On the occassion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to freedom fighters and greeted the citizens of the country on 77th Independence Day.
"Best wishes on Independence Day. We pay homage to our great freedom fighters and reaffirm our commitment to fulfilling their vision. Jai Hind!" the prime minister said on X, formerly known as Twitter.