Republic Day 2020 celebrated across Kashmir valley

The main function was organized at S K cricket Stadium at high security Sonawar area of the city, where advisor to Governor Farooq Ahmad Khan unfurled the national flag and took salute at the march past presented by different contingents.

The march past was presented by contingents of J&K Police, J&K Armed Police, Border Security Force (BSF), CRPF, ITBP, SSB, Women Police, State Disaster Response Force, Fire and Emergency Services and NCC cadets.

Women students, mostly from Jammu, also participated in the march past. “We were very excited to take part in the RD function in Srinagar,” they said, adding some of us have come to Srinagar for the first time.

Cultural shows were also presented by different groups, including women. Students of two local institutes also participated in the cultural show.

Reports of celebrations were also received from other parts of Kashmir valley, including district, tehsil and block headquarters amid heavy security arrangements.

For the first time chairmen of Block Development Councils (BDCs) hoisted the national flag at their respective block headquarters.

“We are very happy that government has allowed us to hoist the tri-colour, but we are concerned for our security,” some of the BDC chairmen in central Kashmir district of Budgam said.

In some areas, including at Pakherpora and Ratsun, no such flag hoisting ceremony could be held for security reasons.

“Despite the promise, we were not provided vehicle and security,” they alleged.

However, information from other blocks was not available due to suspension of mobile service.