SRINAGAR: Like other parts of the country, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is also submerged in the colours of the national flag on the eve of India’s 75th Independence Day.
In a major departure from the past, when the Tricolour was only hoisted at district and tehsil headquarters, this year it has become a movement in J&K with even remote areas enthusiastically participating in the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign. The residents of J&K are hoisting the national flags on their houses, shops, and other establishments from August 13 to August 15 as part of the campaign.
The preparations for hoisting the Tricolour across the length and breadth of J&K are going on in full swing as citizens are displaying great enthusiasm and fervour. Under the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav initiative of the government, various activities are being conducted by different departments and schools in every district of J&K.
National anthem singing, essay competitions, quiz programmes, debates, and seminars are being held in various degree colleges and schools.
From Kathua to Kupwara, people of J&K, particularly children, are organizing rallies and waving the national flag. The idea behind the initiative is to invoke the feeling of patriotism in the hearts of the people and to encourage them to hoist the Indian flag at their homes.
Recently, in the remote Kralpora, Machil area of Kupwara, students were joined by locals in carrying out a Tiranga rally. Students of Tral, Pulwama – an area which was once a hotbed of terrorism – also participated in the rally. Hundreds of Shikaras carrying the Tricolour are rowing together in the Dal Lake to celebrate the spirit of nationalism.
Earlier in Kashmir, protests demanding ‘Azadi for Kashmir’ used to take place held with flags of Pakistan and ISIS being raised. The protesting youths also used to attack police and paramilitary troopers with stones, and the clashes between them continued for hours.
However, this time only Indian flags are being held and hoisted. Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, the attitude and social atmopshere of Jammu and Kashmir is undergoing a sea change.
“Tiranga Utsav is a celebration of the ideals and aspirations of the country. I appeal to everyone to join this campaign by hoisting the Tricolour on their homes from 13th to 15th August,” said Lt Governor Manoj Sinha.
“We have lost many innocent lives, now it has to stop. The right time has come to strike the last nail in the coffin of terrorism and its ecosystem. Prime Minister Narendra Modi bestowed the Union territory with a gift of a new dawn of development and prosperity,” Sinha stated.