PICTURES: Ladakh Celebrates '1st Independence Day' After Being Declared UT

Banners bearing slogans like "UT of Ladakh celebrates its 1st Independence Day" were hanging along roads of this picturesque town. Image tweeted by @MPLadakh ·

Namgyal said, "On the occasion of Independence Day, we celebrate the martyrdom of our heroes. We paid our respects to the four young heroes who laid down their lives agitating for the UT status for Ladakh". (PTI Photo) (PTI8_15_2019_000235B)

BJP MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal participates in 73rd Independence Day celebrations along with students and local people. The region has got "independence from Kashmir" and the celebration is "just a trailer" for the development of Ladakh, he said. (PTI Photo) (PTI8_15_2019_000234B)

Ladakh, which will become an Union Territory after the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir, celebrated Independence Day with fervour on Thursday, with local BJP MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal saying the region has got "independence from Kashmir". In the picture, BJP's National General Secretary Ram Madhav hoists the National Flag as BJP MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal looks on during the 73rd Independence Day celebrations. (PTI Photo) (PTI8_15_2019_000225B)

BJP MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal dances as he participates in 73rd Independence Day celebrations along with students and local people. (PTI Photo) (PTI8_15_2019_000224B)