13 August,2023 12:00 PM IST | Srinagar | mid-day online correspondent
Police personnel take part in a campaign `Meri Maati Mera Desh` organised by Jammu and Kashmir Police, in Srinagar, Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023. PTI Photo
A massive 'tiranga' (tricolour) rally took place here on Sunday, with Jammu and Kashmir's Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha declaring that the youth of the region have a deep affection for the national flag.
Participating in the rally organized as part of the Independence Day celebrations, Sinha, alluding to PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, stated that those who had predicted that there would be no one left in Jammu and Kashmir to hoist the tiranga should have witnessed the turnout at the event.
"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 mentioned, refraining from mentioning any specific names.
Before the revocation of Article 370 in 2019, the PDP president had remarked that if Jammu and Kashmir's special status was revoked, no one would remain to raise the national flag.
"Today, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are being celebrated across the country. As we harness the power of the people and direct development toward the poor and underprivileged, certain individuals may find this hard to bear," he remarked.
"There was a period when the youth of Kashmir were led astray, but today they are contributing to the nation's and Jammu and Kashmir's advancement. This is a moment of pride for all of us. Let us unite to restore Jammu and Kashmir's status as India's jewel in the crown," he added.
Sinha expressed his pride and contentment that not only representatives from the administration and security forces were present at the rally, but also the common people of Kashmir.
"I believe that respecting the tricolour is tantamount to respecting the country and the courageous soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice. People have realized that safeguarding the tricolour is everyone's responsibility, and everyone must contribute to the nation's development. I consider this a significant transformation in Kashmir," he stated.
Kuldeep Handoo, a prominent sportsperson, commended the administration's efforts, remarking that the rally conveyed a message of unity among the populace.
"We will collectively strive to construct this nation - children and adults, security forces and civilians - all are participating. This is a powerful message that we stand united, that we are with India," Handoo commented.
Another participant, Jahanzeb, regarded the rally as a positive step for Kashmir.
"Such events should be organized every Independence Day. We are an integral part of India and had these measures been taken earlier, our current situation might have been better," he expressed. (PTI)
