SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will preside over the main Independence Day function at Srinagar’s Bakshi Stadium on August 15 and take the ceremonial salute, according to an order issued by the General Administration Department (GAD) on Monday.
The government has also designated the Deputy Chief Minister, cabinet ministers and senior officials to preside over Independence Day celebrations at district headquarters across Jammu and Kashmir.
As per the order, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary will take the salute at the Jammu district headquarters, while Health and Medical Education Minister Sakeena Masood (Itoo) will officiate in Anantnag. Jal Shakti Minister Javed Ahmed Rana has been assigned Poonch, Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmad Dar will preside over the function in Baramulla, and Minister Satish Sharma will take the salute in Kathua. Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani has been assigned Kupwara.
The order further states that Deputy Commissioners will preside over Independence Day functions in the remaining district headquarters not covered by the designated dignitaries. Sub-Divisional Magistrates will lead celebrations at sub-divisional headquarters, while Tehsildars or the senior-most civil officers will take the salute at tehsil, block and municipal headquarters, as decided by the respective Deputy Commissioners.
The General Administration Department has circulated the order to all administrative secretaries, police authorities, Deputy Commissioners and other senior officials for necessary arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of Independence Day celebrations across the Union Territory.
