Independence Day Celebrated Across Lolab Valley; Participants Observe One-Minute Silence for Kishtwar Cloudburst Victims – Alfaaz – The Words

Jahangir Lolabi

Lolab: The 79th Independence Day was celebrated with patriotic fervour and enthusiasm across the Lolab Valley, with the main function held at Government Degree College (GDC) Sogam on Friday.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Lolab, Dr. Mudasir Ahmed, who was the chief guest, unfurled the National Flag and took the salute at an impressive march-past featuring contingents from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, Home Guards, SPOs, and NCC cadets.

The ceremony witnessed the presence of prominent officers and dignitaries, including Incharge Principal GDC Sogam; Mudasir Yousuf Malik, Civil Judge/Munsif Sogam; Adjutant 28 RR, Hilal Abbasi; Executive Engineer R&B Division Lolab; Saqib Murtaza, Tehsildar Lolab Sogam; Masroor Gayas, Tehsildar Lalpora; Javeed Ahmad, SDPO Lolab; Javeed Rasool Shah, BMO Sogam; Javeed Ahmad, Sub-Divisional Agriculture Officer Sogam; Mushtaq Ahmad Mir, ZEO Zone Sogam; Farooq Ahmad, ZEO Zone Khumriyal; Abdul Rasheed Sheikh, BDO Sogam/Wavoora; Ab Qayoom Wani, CDPO Wavoora/Sogam; SHO Sogam Javid Ahmad, Inspector (Sr.) Harvinder Singh besides other officials and local residents.

ICDS workers, Asha workers, and employees from the departments of Horticulture, Agriculture, Sericulture, and Food Safety and Consumer Affairs also joined the celebrations.

School children from various institutions attended the event, but no cultural programmes were held in compliance with government directions following the Kishtwar cloudburst tragedy, which has claimed over 50 lives and left many injured. As a mark of solidarity with the victims, a one-minute silence was observed on the occasion.

In his address, SDM Dr. Mudasir Ahmed extended Independence Day greetings and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to the holistic development of Lolab Valley. He also highlighted ongoing projects and achievements made possible through government initiatives and community cooperation.