Weddings went as per schedule, traffic plied normally
Srinagar, Aug 15: For the first time in three decades, festive look was observed on Tuesday when tourists and locals jointly celebrated Independence Day functions across Kashmir.
Earlier, August 15 and January 26 functions used to be a nightmare for people due to restrictions and strikes. However, on Tuesday, Kashmir witnessed a different look when tourists and locals were seen celebrating Independence Day celebrations together. At Srinagar’s Gantaghar, tourists and common masses were singing and dancing together.
“Kashmir is safe like any other part of the country. I have come to Kashmir only to celebrate Independence Day here. We had great fun,” said Amit Tiwari, a tourist from Mumbai while dancing at Lalchowk.
They were also carrying National flags and singing patriotic songs.
Similar scenes were witnessed in other parts of the valley. Since early morning, people in long queues were seen outside stadiums where Independence Day celebrations were held.
The refurnished Bakshi Stadium saw a huge rush of people who had come to witness the Independence Day celebrations. “For the first time, I witnessed Independence Day celebrations. It was a dream cum true. I fail to understand why elected governments were caging Kashmiris and snapping the internet on August 15,” said Bashir Ahmad, a 38-year-old resident of Budgam.
Earlier, Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri had said that people can come to participate in Independence Day celebrations as there is no requirement for passes to attend the main event on August 15.
Besides, there were no restrictions and internet services were working smoothly.
All the functions passed off peacefully across J&K as no report of any untoward incident came from anywhere.
Many people also drove to various tourist places. Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Doodhpathri and Mughal Gardens also witnessed a large rush of tourists and locals.
“We were at home till 12 noon. When we saw everything was normal, we made a plan to visit Shalimar garden. I spent the whole day there along with my mother, wife and children. There is a sense of security among people which was not the case earlier on this day,” said Afaq Ahmad, a resident of Bemina.
Similarly, the weddings went as per the schedule. “My daughter’s wedding was on August 15. We did not face any difficulties. The guests also came on time as traffic was plying normally,” said Mohammad Ashraf, a resident of Habak.
Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha hoisted the national flag and took the salute at the parade at the Bakshi Stadium. District development commissioners hoisted the Tricolour and took salute at parades in their respective districts. “Days of hartals and shutdowns are a thing of the past. An era of peace and development has dawned on J&K,” Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said on Tuesday.
