SRINAGAR: In a gesture of goodwill ahead of Independence Day, the Indian Army unveiled a significant “Independence Day gift” for the residents of Danna hamlet, the final village situated along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Machhal sector of the northern Kupwara district.
This notable development involved the inauguration of a bridge spanning the Machhal Nala, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the Srinagar-based defense division on Tuesday.
The spokesperson said, “A bridge measuring 115 feet in length has been officially christened as the Bhagat Bridge, in honor of the late Major Bhagat Singh, Veer Chakra awardee, who valiantly laid down his life defending this sector during the 1965 war.”
Danna Village, which has come to be known as Bhagat Village, commemorates the courageous Indian soldier who made a significant sacrifice for his country, the spokesperson continued.
The inauguration ceremony featured a symbolic ribbon-cutting ritual, symbolizing the commencement of the bridge’s utility for the local residents. The spokesperson conveyed, “The ribbon-cutting was performed by Sep Mian Gul Khan, a respected 90-year-old veteran of the 1971 war, and a proud inhabitant of the region. The event was graced by the presence of Indian Army personnel and esteemed local figures.”
The spokesperson lauded the tireless dedication of Indian Army engineers who persevered over two months, working through relentless rains and challenging conditions, to construct the bridge across Machhal Nala. This bridge, the spokesperson emphasized, stands as a testament to the Indian Army’s commitment to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, both in terms of border defense and facilitating the region’s progress towards prosperity and tranquility.
This dedication ceremony drew together children, women, and elders from seven villages who have all benefited from the newly constructed bridge. The local populace conveyed heartfelt gratitude to the Indian Army for the transformative impact this infrastructure will have on their lives. They expressed optimism that the bridge’s presence would also attract tourists to their pristine locale.
“As the nation prepares to commemorate its 77th Independence Day, this bridge inauguration assumes poignant significance, serving as a reminder of the Indian Army’s sacrifices in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and integrity,” the spokesperson noted.
