SRINAGAR: The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir observed the 77th Republic Day on Monday with ceremonies across the region that combined ceremonial pageantry, institutional tributes and political assurances about development and governance.
At the UT level function at MA Stadium in Jammu, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha unfurled the national flag, inspected contingents and took the ceremonial salute as disciplined march pasts were presented by units of the Army, Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, Sashastra Seema Bal, Indian Reserve Police men and women, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Jammu and Kashmir Armed Police, the UT Disaster Response Force, Fire and Emergency Services, Forest Protection Force, excise and taxation department, ex-servicemen, NCC and school contingents. Earlier, the Lieutenant Governor laid wreaths at the Police Martyrs Memorial and Balidan Stambh, paying tribute to security personnel who laid down their lives.
In Srinagar, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, speaking at Bakshi Stadium, reiterated the administration’s intent to pursue restoration of statehood, saying he was hopeful it would be granted soon in line with assurances from the Prime Minister. Surinder Choudhary outlined several development priorities, among them regularisation of daily wage workers, women’s empowerment, completion of pending bridges and enhancement of road connectivity. He cited the Smart City initiative and the recent induction of 200 red buses to improve urban transport and said efforts were under way to secure additional central funds despite Union Territory status. He also announced plans for a new waste management plant in south Kashmir and emphasised measures to ensure clean drinking water and revive traditional handicrafts such as Basoli paintings and Kani shawls.
Judicial institutions marked the day with large turnout and solemn observance. In Jammu, Chief Justice Arun Palli unfurled the flag at the High Court complex in a ceremony described as the largest Republic Day gathering at the court, attended by judges, senior advocates and judicial officers. The Srinagar wing held its own ceremony with Justice Sindhu Sharma unfurling the flag and a march past followed by patriotic music and the distribution of sweets to security personnel.
Other official observances included the Jammu and Kashmir Resident Commission in New Delhi, where the Additional Resident Commissioner unfurled the flag and officers staged a cultural programme; the Islamic University of Science and Technology in Awantipora, where Vice Chancellor Shakil Ahmad Romshoo highlighted education, innovation and the institution’s start-up support; and the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences in Soura, where Director Muhammad Ashraf Ganie reviewed recent expansions in specialised services. In Leh, Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta used the Polo Ground ceremony to outline infrastructure and connectivity projects for Ladakh.
Divisional and district administrations across the region held Republic Day functions. Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, at an event in Srinagar, called on officers to uphold integrity, service and constitutional values in public duty.
The day’s events combined ceremonial tribute to the Constitution and security forces with political statements and development pledges, reflecting both the pageant of Republic Day and the local administration’s priorities going into the new year.
