At Anantnag, the main function was held at Government Degree College Khanabal in which Minister for Rural Development & Panchayati Raj and Law & Justice, Abdul Haq Khan, unfurled the tricolour, took the salute at the march past, and inspected the parade.In his Republic Day speech, the Minister congratulated the people and highlighted the significance of celebration of the day. The Minister said it was due to the efforts of the current dispensation that the Central government appointed an interlocutor for a dialogue with the stakeholders. He underlined the need for peace being the prerequisite for progress and development of the state. On the occasion, the Minister said that youth is the real assets of the State and the Government is very keen to channelize their energies in a constructive way and said that Government is reviving tourism, industries and handicraft sectors, where they can generate their livelihoods. The Minister also spoke on the initiatives taken by the Government in regularizing the casual labourers and daily-rated wagers. In his speech, he made a specific mention of the Chief Minister’s public outreach initiatives as innovative ones and the impact it is having at the ground level. He also highlighted the developmental achievements of the district and made a particular mention of health, education, road connectivity, potable drinking water, and other sectors.He gave out that five new medical colleges are coming up in the State, while as work on Government Medical College Anantnag is going on in full swing. Besides, work on 70 mega projects is also going on with an estimated cost of Rs 852 crores.The Minister also highlighted the achievements in the district under various flagship programmes like AMRUT, MGNREGS, TSP, and like schemes. The contingents of CRPF, District Police, IRP, District Ladies Police, Fire & Emergency, SPO District Police, District Home Guard, school children and NCC cadets participated in the march past. Later, colourful cultural troupes were presented by Information Department and school children of various educational institutions. The chief guest, later, distributed prizes and mementoes among the best performers and meritorious students. The grand function was attended by MLA HS Bugh, Deputy Commissioner, DIG South Kashmir, SSP, other civilian and para-military officers besides, a large gathering of people of the district. Similar functions were also held at sub-Division Pahalgam, Kokernag, Dooru and Tehsil headquarters.