In a message, he said the 73rd Independence Day is special for every citizen of the country as it comes at a time when the entire nation is cherishing the fulfilment of a long-standing dream of Jammu and Kashmir's complete amalgamation with India.
"India will celebrate the Independence Day with much fanfare this year with the abrogation of the special status given to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 (of the Constitution)," Sonowal said.
He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had brought a new vigour to the spirit of national integration by taking a historic decision on Jammu and Kashmir.
"That is why every citizen is feeling that this year's Independence Day is special. The Prime Minister deserves appreciation from every Indian and every Indian living abroad," Sonowal said.
He also thanked Union Home Minister Amit Shah for such a bold decision on Jammu and Kashmir.