STATE TIMES NEWS
Srinagar: A mega ‘Tiranga’ rally was held here on Sunday with Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha asserting that the youth of Jammu and Kashmir loves the national flag. Participating in the rally organised as part of Independence Day celebrations, Sinha said those who claimed that there won’t be anyone left in Jammu and Kashmir to raise the tiranga should have seen the turnout at the rally. The LG flagged-off the Tiranga Yatra in Srinagar and joined thousands of enthusiastic citizens in the walkathon from KICC to Botanical Garden. “They, who used to say that there won’t be anyone left in Jammu and Kashmir to raise the tiranga, would have understood that every youth of Jammu and Kashmir loves the national flag as much as people from any other part of the country,” Sinha said without taking any names. “Today people of Jammu and Kashmir are being hailed across the country. As we are combining the people’s power and taking the development towards the poor and underprivileged, some people cannot bear this,” he said. “There was a time when the youth of Kashmir was misled but today they are contributing to building the nation and Jammu and Kashmir. This is a proud moment for all of us. Let us come together and restore the status of Jammu and Kashmir as the jewel in the crown of India,” he added. Sinha said he was feeling proud and satisfied that not only people from the administration and security forces were present in the rally but the common people of Kashmir also participated in it. “I think and feel that respecting the tricolour is respecting the country and the brave soldiers who laid down their lives. People have understood that everyone has to guard the tricolour and everyone has to contribute to the development of the nation. I think this is the big change in Kashmir,” he said. The Lt Governor said the Tricolor represents the dreams of our freedom fighters, our martyrs. I bow to all the great personalities who had made invaluable contributions and fought till their last breath for the progress and prosperity of the nation, he added. “Today the entire J&K is participating in the Tiranga Yatra. The Tricolor is flying high in the sky, streets are filled with enthusiasm. Participation of men, women, youths and senior citizens across the UT is an inspiration for the country as well,” the Lt Governor said. “Let us walk together, let our hearts beat together, this is the resolve of Tiranga Yatra that binds every section of the society in one emotion. From Pulwama to Poonch, from Kulgam to Kathua, from Jammu to Srinagar, all houses in 20 districts are celebrating and hoisting Tricolor,” the Lt Governor said. At KICC, the Lt Governor administered the Prime Minister’s ‘Panch Pran’ pledge to the public representatives, officials and citizens who gathered in huge numbers to participate in the Tiranga Yatra. “Together, J&K is marching towards a brighter future. People from all walks of life are working with one resolve-to shape the future of J&K and contribute in the journey of ‘Viksit Bharat’. All are united in emotion- may our beloved and victorious Tricolor fly high in the world,” he said.
The Lt Governor also expressed gratitude to the media fraternity for their support to the UT administration in creating a conducive environment in Jammu & Kashmir. Kuldeep Handoo, a renowned sportsperson, lauded the efforts of the administration, saying the rally has sent out a message of unity among people.
“We will walk together to build this nation, children and adults, security forces and civilians, everyone is participating. This is going to be the big message that we are together, we are with India,” Handoo said.
Another participant, Jahanzeb, said the rally was a positive step for Kashmir.
“Such events should be held on every Independence Day. We are a part of India and had these steps been taken earlier, we might have been in a better situation today,” he said.
