Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, unfurled the National Flag to mark 76th Republic Day celebrations at Bakshi Stadium here today. He inspected the parade and took salute from the contingents of JKP, BSF, CRPF, JKAP, SSB, ITBP, IRP, Women, Forest Protection Force and NCC.
In his address, the Deputy Chief Minister reiterated the demand of restoration of Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. He appealed the Prime Minister and Home Minister of India to fulfil their commitment of restoring Statehood to J&K.
The Deputy Chief Minister urged upon the Central Government to fulfil its promise of statehood for Jammu & Kashmir. He said that the Prime Minister and Home Minister have assured restoration of statehood to J&K once the government is formed.
This commitment is essential to win hearts of people and bring stability to Jammu & Kashmir. Surinder Choudhary said that the present Government led by Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah is committed to fulfil the promises made during the election campaign.
He said that all out efforts will be made to safeguard the interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir besides creating employment avenues for the unemployed youth. The Deputy Chief Minister highlighted the significance of constitution of India in establishing framework for country's governance, protecting citizen rights and upholding democracy.
He said secularism is foundation of India and constitution provides everyone the opportunity to live with dignity and honour. He recalled that during partition period Mahatma Gandhi saw only ray of hope for India in Jammu and Kashmir as people here are peace loving and ambassadors of mutual brotherhood.
Surinder Choudhary also spoke about the Kashmiri migrant Pandits saying that proactive steps are being taken up for their dignified return to their homes. He also spoke about the menace of drugs and urged the youth to keep themselves away from this social evil.
He said intensified deterrence measures are being taken against the drug menace and its peddling, besides destroying the channels/ networks and sources of drug peddling. On the occasion, colourful cultural programme was also presented by the artists of J&K Academy of Art Culture and Languages and School and College students in the form of patriotic song and other items which mesmerised the audiences.
The Deputy Chief Minister, on the occasion, also presented awards to winners of best March Past, best cultural programme as well as other categories. National Conference President, Dr Farooq Abdullah, several Legislators, prominent citizens and people in large numbers attended the event.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, IGP Kashmir; Administrative Secretaries, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, senior officers of Police and Civil administration, heads of various departments, government officials and a large number of people and school children were also present on the occasion.
Earlier, the Deputy Chief Minister accompanied by senior officers visited the Balidan Stambh at Pratap Park and paid tributes to martyrs in whose honour the Stambh has been built.