SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir held 42,879 events on independence day and a record number of 3685106 persons participated in the celebrations, a DIPR statement to the press said.
“Overall in Jammu Division 19,76,255 individuals participated in 23,163 celebrations and in Kashmir Division 17,08,851 persons took part in 19,716 functions held across the districts of the valley,” the statement said terming the numbers historic. “In Kashmir valley, Baramulla reported the highest level of participation of about 5,05,909 persons in 3353 events followed by Anantnag with 2,45,618 people in 2676 events. Kupwara organised the highest number of 4993 events providing opportunity to 2,34,146 persons and Pulwama organized 1140 events participated by 1,81,195 persons in the district.”
According to the statement, a total of 42,879 events were conducted right from the Panchayat level with large number of people participating in each such function. Similar events were carried out in the educational institutions, Patwar Khanas, Municipalities, Tehsils, and Block offices with enthusiastic participation from the large number of students, elected representatives and government employees.
Apart from the usual events which were conducted at the twin capitals and district headquarters of the UT where common people were given free entry, the celebrations were made in scores of villages and towns raising the participation to new levels. Flag hoisting ceremonies were also held at all the Directorates, Divisional, and District offices of the UT where thousands of employees participated with national fervor.
“In Jammu Division the highest participation of people were seen in Rajouri district where 3,95,916 persons took part in 7756 functions followed by Kathua having 3,06,801 people taking part in 1317 events. Similarly, in Poonch 2,87,719 persons took part in 4060 celebrations and Udhampur had 2,58,830 persons celebrating Independence Day at 889 places,” the statement said.
In the capital cities of Srinagar and Jammu, 91,504 persons in 2052 functions and 1,45,663 in 2515 functions participated respectively. At the marquee events held at Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar where Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha hoisted the tricolor around 10,000 people were present and at MA Stadium, Jammu’s attendance of about 11,000 persons was recorded.
