Minister of State for Transport and Public Works, Sunil Sharma unfurled the national flag at Poonch and took salute at march past comprising of 26 contingents of JK police J&K police JKAP police Home guard, CRPF,NCC cadets, and students . MLA Shah Mohammad Tantray, MLC Yaspal Sharma MLC Pardeep Sharma, MLC Dr. Shehnaz Ganai, DDC Tariq Ahmad Zargar, SSP Rajiv Panday, ADDC Abdul Hamied, ADC Dr. Bashrat Hussain, Brigade commander AS Pandharker , EX. legislator Jahangir Hussain Mir, officers of district administration and police, prominent citizens, lawyers besides large number of people were present on the occassion.Speaking on the occasion, the minister gave historical background of Indian freedom movement and paid tributes to freedom fighters and said that the constitution of India is secular and inclusive in character aiming at maintaining communal harmony and unity is diversity of the nation.He lauded the role of security forces and J&K Police who, he said, are making supreme sacrifices to maintain peace and uphold the sovereignty and integrity of the country.
Sunil Sharma also remembered the sacrifices made by the brave people of this border district for maintaining secular ethos and brotherhood and at the same time giving befitting reply to evil designs of enemies who don’t want peace and stability in this region.He said that the state under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufthi has achieved various milestones in development and tangible infrastructure is being created across the length and breadth of the state .While highlighting the major development initiative being under taken by coalition government, minister said that visible impact is being felt on the ground with implementation of various central and state sponsored schemes in a transparent manner.He said that, 40 Community Bunkers at vulnerable location’s have been taken up in convergence mode. He said in addition, government has sanctioned 688 community bunkers and 1320 Individual Household Bunkers for the protection of the families at the time of shelling and firing across the border.On the occasion, the minister enumerated various development initiatives under taken during past few years including helicopter service from Poonch to Jammu, the long standing demand of public.
He said other noted development works included resumption of work on Mini-Secretariat Poonch, completion of Degree College Surankote and girls hostel Poonch for G.G.H.S.S Sheeshmahal besides examination hall being constructed at the cost if Rs 4.55 crore. One residential school for Gujjar and Bakerwal will be completed in near future, he added.The Minister further said that Rs. 10.25cr is being spent on developing infrastructure of Trade Facilitation Center to further strengthen the cross border trade mechanism. For improving road connectivity in this hilly district Rs 10.25 cr is being spent on construction of 18 bridges and in addition 87 km road length has been macadamized during the year so far, besides Mandi Phagla rod as alternative road connecting Mandi , Bufliaz Marraha road connecting tribal population besides 14 new roads for up gradation/ blacktopping have been taken up, he said.For creating employment opportunities under MGNREGA and housing facilities to houseless population under PMAY Rs 47 crore and 1.75 cr. have been spent respectively informed the Minister.A cultural programme was also presented by the school children depicting unity in diversity of our country .On the occasion District Administration Poonch felicitated six efficient officers for their services they rendered during last two years.Similar programs were organized at Sub Division Mendhar and Surankote . At borders army officers unfurled national flag and distributed sweets among school children. Republic Day celebrations were also held in District Jail Poonch where superintendent of district jail Sanjeev kumar unfurled national flag and took salute.