At Bandipora, Minister for Animal, Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries Abdul Ghani Kohli unfurled the National Flag, inspected the parade and took salute on the March Past presented by the contingents of JKP, IRP, CRPF, Fire & Emergency Services, Home guard, NCC cadets and school children at Sher-e-Kashmir Sports Stadium, Bandipora.Speaking on the occasion, the Minister extended Independence Day greetings to the people and highlighted the historical background of freedom movement and paid rich tributes to the freedom fighters and martyrs.Saying that peace is imperative and prerequisite for development, the Minister urged people, especially youth to cooperate with the Government and avail benefits from various development and welfare schemes launched by Central and State Governments.He mentioned about various schemes which include Prime Minister's Package for over all development of the state, MMSFES, Laadli Beti and Marriage Assistance Scheme for poor girls.
Referring to the development scenario, Kohli said the developmental programmes initiated by the present Government headed by Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti has started percolating it's benefits on ground level across the State including district Bandipora. He said various new initiatives are in the pipeline to devise new policies for Poultry and Fisheries so that more and more youth are engaged in these sectors.Later, cultural programmes were held by students, representing different schools of the district, besides Martial Arts demonstration.District Development Commissioner Bandipora Sajjad Hussain, SSP, Additional Deputy Commissioner, CPO, Officers from District Administration, police, Security Forces, Senior Citizens were present on the occasion.Similar functions were held at Sonawari and Gurez subdivisions where National Flag was hoisted to mark the Independence Day.