Jammu and Kashmir: Independence Day Went Off Peacefully, Say Officials

As per a press release issued by the Jammu and Kashmir administration, the 73rd Independence Day was celebrated in Budgam, Pulwama, Awantipora, Tral, Ganderbal, Kulgam, Baramulla, Shopian, Anantnag and Bandipora in Kashmir.

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir state Governor Satyapal Malik, in white and black dress salutes as he hoists an Indian flag to mark India's Independence Day in Srinagar, India, Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi defended his government's controversial measure to strip the disputed Kashmir region of its statehood and special constitutional provisions in an Independence Day speech Thursday, as about 7 million Kashmiris stayed indoors for the 11th day of an unprecedented security lockdown and communications blackout. AP/PTI(AP8_15_2019_000293B)

New Delhi: Independence day in Jammu and Kashmir was marked with peace and no untoward incident was reported from anywhere, officials said on Thursday.  In view of the Centre abrogating the constitutional provisions that accorded a special status to Jammu and Kashmir and amid tensions with Pakistan, security was tightened across the national capital and the neighbouring border areas. As per a press release issued by the Jammu and Kashmir administration, the 73rd Independence Day was celebrated in Budgam, Pulwama, Awantipora, Tral, Ganderbal, Kulgam, Baramulla, Shopian, Anantnag and Bandipora in Kashmir. Principal Secretary in the Jammu and Kashmir administration, Rohit Kansal, said the first night flight will also take off from Srinagar at 7:50 pm on Thursday with 150 passengers. "The Independence Day celebrations went off peacefully and no untoward incident was reported from the Kashmir Valley," he told reporters. Srinagar is already an international airport with night flying capabilities and it is a happy coincidence that night flight operations are beginning on Thursday to and from Srinagar, Kansal said. Officials said so far, there has been no report of any major violence from any part of the Valley, which has seen unprecedented restrictions on movement of people and communications after the abrogation of the special status given to the state under Article 370 and its bifurcation into two Union Territories. The main function in the Valley was held at Srinagar where Governor Satya Malik hoisted the national flag at the Sher-e-Kashmir stadium and it was attended by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. The advisors of the Governor were among other officials who were present at the event. In Budgam, the main event was held at a local sports stadium where Deputy Commissioner Tariq Hussain Ganai unfurled the national flag, inspected the parade and took salute at the march past presented security forces. Pulwama Deputy Commissioner Syed Abid Rashid Shah unfurled the tricolour at an event in the district. Functions at Tral and Awantipora where led by additional deputy commissioners. (with inputs from PTI)