Republic Day Is Celebrated In Kashmir, Srinagar Has A Calm Atmosphere

According to authorities here, Republic Day was observed on Friday across Kashmir, with events taking place at each district headquarters under rigorous security protocols.

The primary event took place in Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, with adviser to Lieutenant Governor Rajesh Rai Bhatnagar serving as the event’s major guest and host. Police, CRPF, SSB, NCC, and schoolchildren braved the cold to participate in the march past where Bhatnagar took the salute.

Artists from throughout the union area performed during the cultural gathering after the march. During his speech, Bhatnagar said that the government has made efforts to place Jammu and Kashmir on the road of comprehensive development.

“The number of visitors to Jammu and Kashmir increased to 2.11 crore in 2023 from 1.88 crore in 2022. Recruitment firms like PSC and SSRB have received referrals for more over 31,000 positions, according to Bhatnagar. The advisor gave honors to security personnel who gave their lives while doing their duties. He also thanked the police and paramilitary for maintaining internal security.

The city’s attitude was noticeably more laid-back, with fewer checkpoints put up to control traffic, even though large numbers of security force members were stationed to guarantee the events went off without a hitch. Additionally, city junctions were not blocked by concertina wires.

The mobile internet was not blocked, unlike in the past when this security practice was conducted in the wake of the 2005 IED explosion outside the Independence Day event location, which was set off by using a mobile phone. Multiple events were hosted in each of the valley’s district offices, with the corresponding deputy commissioners presiding over the events.