Srinagar, Jan 26: A series of functions were on Friday held across the Kashmir division with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervour in connection with the celebration of the country's 75th Republic Day.

Republic Day marks the adoption of India's constitution and the country's transition to a Republic on January 26, 1950. Every year, the celebrations marking the day feature spectacular flag unfurling ceremonies, an inspection of the parade by the chief guest and cultural pageantry.

The unfurling of the national flag was held amid impressive parades and mega cultural events at all venues of functions organised at district, sub-division, tehsil and block levels across Kashmir Division.

At Baramulla, the function was held at District Police Lines Baramulla where the Chairperson of District Development Council (DDC) Baramulla, Safeena Beigh ceremoniously unfurled the National flag, inspected the Parade and took salute at the March Past. Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Minga Sherpa; SSP Baramulla, Amod Nagpure; DDC members, besides a huge gathering of people, participated in Republic Day celebrations.

The parade comprised contingents from BSF, CRPF, J&K police, Sashastra Seema Bal, Home Guards, J&K Police Band, NCC cadets from Govt. Degree College Baramulla, Boys' Higher Secondary Baramulla and various schools.

In her address, the DDC Chairperson highlighted the district's remarkable achievements across key sectors of development including education, healthcare, agriculture, women and youth empowerment, JJM, rural development, road connectivity, social welfare, and self-employment during her speech. Safeena also expressed her heartiest gratitude to the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, for his steadfast and unwavering support towards the holistic development of the district. 

At Anantnag, Republic Day was celebrated with great fervour and enthusiasm at GDC Boys Khanabal where Chairman of District Development Council Anantnag, Mohammad Yousuf Gorsi unfurled the national flag and took a salute at the parade. The contingents from CRPF, J&K Police, IRP, J&K Home Guards, JK Police Band, Fire & Emergency, NCC and school children from various educational institutions took part in the march-past.

Addressing the gathering, the DDC Chairman highlighted the efforts besides achievements made by the district under various priority areas. Notable attendees at the celebration included Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, ADC, ADDC, ACD, ACR, CPO, PDSJ, DIG SKR, SSP, DDC members, officers from Army, CRPF and other security forces and other officers and officials besides a huge gathering of the general public were present during the celebrations.

At Budgam, the Republic Day functions were held with much fanfare and enthusiasm across the District Budgam. The main function was held at Sports Stadium Budgam, where the Chairman of District Development Council (DDC), Budgam, Nazir Ahmad Khan unfurled the National Flag and took a salute at the march-past.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chairman paid glowing tributes to all freedom fighters for their selfless sacrifices for freedom of the country. He deliberated upon the ongoing development scenario of the district and said that the district Budgam is touching new heights with the active participation of people in government initiatives. The Chairman also focused on the active and positive role of District Administration Budgam under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner, Akshay Labroo for tireless efforts in ensuring speedy completion of infrastructure projects across the district. 

At Ganderbal, the District Development Council (DDC) Chairperson Ganderbal, Nuzhat Ishfaq unfurled the National Flag and took a salute at the 75th Republic Day function being celebrated at Qamaria Stadium, Ganderbal.

In her address, while congratulating the people of Ganderbal, the DDC Chairperson highlighted the importance of the Republic Day celebration and recalled the sacrifices of great freedom fighters. She spoke about various developmental achievements registered by the district administration in different sectors in the district besides the implementation of welfare schemes during the current fiscal. The event was witnessed by Deputy Commissioner, Shyambir, Vice Chairperson DDC; Bilal Ahmad Sheikh, SSP Ganderbal, Nikhil Borkar, ADDC, ADC, and DDC members, besides various officers and officials from Police and District Administration.

At Pulwama, the Republic Day celebrations were held at the District Police Lines in Pulwama. The event, graced by the presence of DDC Chairperson, Syed Abdul Bari Andrabi as the chief guest, witnessed the unfurling of the National Flag and a stirring salute, symbolizing the District's unwavering allegiance to the Nation. The event witnessed the presence of DC Pulwama, Dr Basharat Qayoom; Principal District and Session Judge, Naseer Ahmad Dar; SSP Pulwama, Mohammad Yousuf Chaudhary; DDC members, senior members of the judiciary and several other senior officials, reflecting the collective commitment towards progress and prosperity.

DDC Chairperson Syed Abdul Bari Andrabi highlighted the commendable progress and development milestones achieved by district Pulwama. In a touching gesture of gratitude, families of martyrs were felicitated during the event, honouring their sacrifice and unwavering commitment to the nation's security. 

At Kulgam, the Republic Day was celebrated across the district with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervour with the main function held at District Police Lines Kulgam. The Chairperson of District Development Council (DDC) Kulgam, Mohammad Afzal Parrey who was chief guest on the occasion unfurled the National Flag and took a salute at the March past presented by the contingents of CRPF, JKP, JKP ladies police group, Home guard, NCC cadets, students etc. Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, Athar Aamir Khan; DDC VC, Shazia Jan; SSP, Sahil Sarangal; DDC members besides officers from civil and police administration and people in large numbers participated in the programme.

Addressing the occasion, the DDC Chairperson deliberated on various development initiatives undertaken in the district for the progress and prosperity of the general public. Meanwhile, officers, officials, students, and renowned persons were awarded for achieving excellence in their respective fields. Three persons were also provided appointment orders under SRO-43.

In Kupwara, Republic Day was celebrated across the frontier district with great enthusiasm and fervour. The main function was held at District Police Lines Kupwara where Chairman of District Development Council (DDC) Kupwara, Irfan Sultan Panditpori unfurled the National Flag, inspected the parade and took salute at march-past presented by contingents of JKP, JKAP, CRPF, IRP, Home Guards, FPF, Special Commandos, Police Band, and school children.

Besides, in a scintillating spectacle, Tableaus (Jankis) were also presented by different departments during the parade which showcased achievements and welfare Schemes. Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Ayushi Sudan; SSP Kupwara, Yougal Manhas; ADDC Kupwara, Altaf Ahmad Khan, ADC Kupwara, Ghulam Nabi Bhat; DDC Members, Police Officers, Army Officers and District officers, officials of all departments, people from different areas, besides students from different educational institutions were present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, the DDC Chairperson highlighted various measures taken by the LG administration and District Administration for the overall development of the district. He said the Kupwara district has vast tourism potential and the administration is on its toes to tap the potential and explore the tourist destinations of the district. The Republic Day functions were also held at Handwara, Lolab and Karnah sub-divisions,

At Shopian, the District Development Council (DDC), Chairperson, Shopian, Bilqees Jan unfurled the tricolor at District Police Lines, Shopian. She inspected the parade and took a salute at the March-past comprised of CRPF, JK Police, IRP, Home Guards, NCC Cadets and students from different schools. Deputy Commissioner (DC), Shopian, Faz Lul Haseeb (Guest of Honour); VC DDC Council, Irfan Manhas; SSP, Shopian, Tanushree; CO, CRPF DDC Members, ADDC, ADC, Shopian, officers and officials of civil administration, police and CAPF were also present on the occasion.

At Bandipora, to celebrate the 75th Republic Day, grand functions were held across the district with the main function held at S. K Stadium Bandipora. Chairperson District Development Council (DDC) Bandipora, Abdul Gani Bhat unfurled the national flag and took salute at the march past presented by contingents of CRPF, JKP, JKIRP, JK Fire and Emergency, SPOs, JK Home Gaurd, NCC besides students of various schools and JKP Band Group. 

The Chairperson DDC was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Shakeel Ul Rehman Rather and SSP Bandipora Lakshay Sharma. The program witnessed the presentation of various cultural events and patriotic songs depicting India's vibrant cultural, economic and social progress. 

Chairperson DDC Abdul Gani Bhat highlighted the developmental aspects of the country on various fronts. The Chairperson, while praising the land of Alim Adab and Aab, said that Bandipora is successfully proving its mettle in various spheres of Governance and Development.