Srinagar: The 79th Independence Day functions, including the hoisting of the National Flag and the ceremonial parade, concluded smoothly and peacefully in Jammu and Kashmir.
The main function was held at the Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar city, where Chief Minister Omar Abdullah hoisted the Tricolor and took the salute at the ceremonial parade.
The chief minister first went to the ‘Balidan Stambh’ at Partap Park in Residency Road in the city, where he paid tribute to those brave hearts who laid down their lives in the service of the nation.
In his emotional address at the Bakshi Stadium, the chief minister made a strong case for restoration of statehood and declared that in the eight weeks time given by the Supreme Court to the Government of India to file response to statehood restoration plea, he and all the ministers and MLAs of the ruling National Conference will move to all the 90 Assembly constituencies for a signature campaign to support the demand for statehood.
CM Omar Abdullah said, “Till now, we relied on letters, meetings and communications, but now we will go to the people.
“We will move from place to place in all the 90 Assembly constituencies and knock at every door to obtain signatures and thumb impressions from those who cannot sign, seeking restoration of statehood and giving the document signed by lakhs of people to the judges of the Supreme Court and the Government of India”, he asserted.
A similar function was held at the MAM Stadium in Jammu city and all other district headquarters of the UT.
