SRINAGAR: After decades, an unprecedented sight greeted Srinagar as long queues formed outside the entry points of the primary venue for the 75th Republic Day function at Bakshi Stadium. Women, children, and the elderly patiently waited in line, eager to participate in the festivities.
Witnesses reported that queues began forming as early as 8 am, with residents expressing confidence in attending the event following recent assurances of safety from Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri.
Bidhuri had extended an invitation to the public to join the celebration.
The recently refurbished stadium was full of people. They watched the unfurling of the tricolour and the march past. Later, students and cadets from different schools and institutions offered cultural programmes. Dry weather helped in ensuring better participation.
The security set-up was elaborate. There were multiple layers of security around the Stadium, the main venue of the function.
Unlike past the Internet remained operational and the government extended invitations to the people. The response was impressive.