The government on Wednesday extended an open invitation to the public to join the Independence Day celebrations.
Divisional Commissioner Vijay Kumar Bidhuri reiterated the open invitation to the public, stressing that there are no restrictions on attendance.
“Independence Day is a national festival for us and people here celebrate it with great enthusiasm. Everyone is welcome to join — your I-card is your invitation card. On behalf of myself and the administration, I heartily welcome all of you,” the Div Com told reporters in Srinagar after taking salute at full dress I-Day rehearsal.
Bidhuri urged citizens to view the event as a festival for all and to participate wholeheartedly.
He also underscored that peace and security are essential for development, crediting the improved law and order situation to the sacrifices of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Armed Police Forces, BSF, SSB, CRPF, and others.
Earlier, a full dress rehearsal was held at Srinagar’s Bakshi stadium. The contingents of BSF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB, JKAP, IRP, Women contingent, SDRF, Fire & Emergency, Forest Protection Force, NCC contingents, Pipe band, Brass band and students from different schools participated in march past parade.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri hoisted the tricolor and inspected the parade contingents, took salute at March past and addressed the participants.
Addressing the participants at the Bakhshi Stadium, the main venue for the celebration of Independence Day in J&K, Div Com highlighted developmental and socio-economic achievements of the government.
He said terrorists who massacred innocent people at Pahalgam tried to create fear and division among the people but the general public strongly condemned the heinous and drastic act of terrorism in one voice.
He said operation Sindoor was a befitting reply to dismantle the bases of terrorism while operation Mahadev delivered justice to the actual perpetrators of Pahalgam killings.
IGP, Kashmir, DIG Central Kashmir, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, SSP Srinagar, SSP Traffic Srinagar, SSP Traffic Rural, SSP Security, Senior officers and other security agencies including CRPF, BSF, NDRF besides HODs & offices all civil departments were present on the occasion.
The colourful cultural programmes enacted on the occasion by students & artists demonstrated the fervor for Independence Day celebration.
Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, Vidhi Kumar Birdi told reporters that multi-tier security arrangements have been put in place for the August 15 functions.
“Contingents of the Jammu and Kashmir Police and Central Armed Police Forces will be provided with multiple layers of security. We have also deployed spotters to ensure the arrangements are foolproof,” he said.
The IGP said full dress rehearsals were conducted successfully across all districts of the Kashmir Valley, with all contingents participating.
Security drill rehearsals were also held in each district and concluded smoothly, he said.