During the meeting, the Divisional Commissioner directed all concerned departments to ensure befitting, comprehensive and meticulous arrangements for the successful conduct of the festival and to execute their assigned responsibilities with utmost efficiency.

He instructed designated Nodal Officers to remain stationed at their respective venues and maintain close coordination with all stakeholders. He observed that the presence of officers on-site would facilitate prompt resolution of issues and help streamline arrangements.

Emphasising that there should be no gaps in preparations, the Divisional Commissioner stressed the importance of comprehensive venue management, proper sequencing of events and detailed crowd-management plans at SKICC and INOX.

He also reviewed arrangements for night screenings, floating cinema, the gala dinner and other proposed activities and issued necessary directions for their smooth and successful conduct.

The Tourism Department was directed to finalise brochures and audio-visual content showcasing the tourism potential of Jammu & Kashmir for promotion during the festival. The Handicrafts & Handloom Department was asked to prepare and share brochures containing relevant information for guests and participants regarding stalls, craft and artisans.

The Higher Education Department was directed to establish dedicated registration desks for students participating in the festival, while the RTO Kashmir was asked to sensitise hired drivers regarding the festival schedule, sightseeing packages for guests, tour packages and timely participation in scheduled programmes.

The meeting was informed that films from 40 countries will be screened during the festival, underlining its international character and significance.

The Divisional Commissioner directed all departments to extend full support to the event management team and emphasised the need for effective micro-traffic management and robust security arrangements while ensuring minimum inconvenience to guests, participants, filmmakers and the general public.

He further directed the concerned agencies to ensure comprehensive arrangements at the airport and establish attractive selfie points at the SKICC back lawns and INOX premises.

For effective inter-departmental coordination, the Director Information was directed to ensure close coordination among all concerned departments. The Joint Director Information Kashmir was asked to remain stationed at SKICC as the single-point Nodal Officer for coordination and communication.

The Divisional Commissioner also stressed the need for conducting a comprehensive dry run ahead of the festival to identify and address any gaps in arrangements. He called for a seamless and horizontal flow of communication among all stakeholders for the smooth execution of the festival.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Director Information, Heads of Departments and designated Nodal Officers.

Later, Div Com Kashmir along with DC Srinagar, VC LCMA, Director Info and others conducted inspection of Dal Lake in a motor boat to assess the cleaning of the lake for aesthetic presentation and attraction of film makers.

Anantnag : On the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan (Shravan Purnima), Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anantnag, Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, Friday visited the ancient Prachin Shiv Temple at Thajiwara, Bijbehara, joining a large congregation of devotees during the celebrations.

The DC was accompanied by Assistant Commissioner Revenue (ACR), Tariq Ahmad Malik, Tehsildar and SDPO, Bijbehara, officers from line departments, and representatives of the temple management.

A large number of devotees visited the revered temple with enthusiasm and traditional fervor to pay their obeisance, offer prayers, and perform sacred rituals including tying of Rakhis, marking the culmination of the month of Shravan.

During the visit, the DC participated in the ceremonial observances alongside the devotees and expressed hope that the festival would bring prosperity, harmony, and happiness to people’s lives. He observed that traditional festivals like Raksha Bandhan present an ideal opportunity to strengthen bonds of love among siblings as well as between different communities. As a gesture of mutual love and respect, women present at the venue tied Rakhis to the Deputy Commissioner and other officers.

Interacting with the gathering, the DC extended his warm greetings, stating that the historic temple has long stood as a symbol of brotherhood that defines the region’s rich heritage. He appreciated the enduring spirit of unity among the people and urged everyone to continue preserving the area’s cultural and religious traditions.

On the occasion, the DC reviewed the overall arrangements and directed the concerned departments to ensure all basic facilities including uninterrupted power and water supply, sanitation, traffic management, and medical care remain available to the devotees. He instructed officials to keep all services fully operational throughout the festivities so that the celebrations proceed smoothly and hassle-free.

Reiterating the district administration’s commitment to the seamless conduct of such vibrant events, Dr. Bilal directed all departments to maintain close coordination with temple representatives, address emerging issues promptly, and extend full support to the devotees. Furthermore, he directed officials from the executing agency to expedite ongoing repair and renovation works at the temple.

The devotees and other participants expressed their gratitude to the district administration for its proactive support and the elaborate arrangements provided during the festival.

Srinagar : Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education,  SakeenaItoo, Tuesday reviewed the overall health sector scenario and availability of healthcare facilities in Chanapora constituency, with focus on strengthening public health infrastructure and ensuring accessible, responsive and quality medical services for the people.

The meeting was attended by MLA Chanapora, Mushtaq Guroo; Principal GMC Srinagar and other senior officers of health and medical education department

During the review, the Minister took detailed stock of the functioning of health institutions in the constituency, availability of doctors, paramedical staff and other manpower, essential medicines, diagnostic facilities, infrastructure, equipment and other patient-care services.

The Minister directed the concerned officers to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the requirements of healthcare institutions in the constituency and identify areas requiring immediate intervention. She stressed that healthcare delivery should remain centred around the needs of patients, particularly those belonging to economically weaker and vulnerable sections of society.

SakeenaItoo called for ensuring uninterrupted availability of essential medicines and consumables besides strengthening diagnostic and emergency services at health institutions. She also emphasised optimum utilisation and timely maintenance of available medical equipment so that patients do not have to travel outside the constituency for basic healthcare requirements.

The Minister directed the officers to closely monitor manpower availability and ensure that sanctioned human resources are utilised effectively. She maintained that strengthening primary and secondary healthcare facilities is essential for reducing the burden on tertiary care hospitals and providing timely treatment closer to people’s homes.

SakeenaItoo underscored that every healthcare institution must function with a strong sense of public service and accountability. She directed the concerned authorities to prepare a time-bound action plan for addressing the gaps identified during the review and submit regular progress reports.

The Minister reiterated the Government’s commitment towards building a robust, accessible and people-centric healthcare system across Jammu and Kashmir, with special emphasis on strengthening healthcare delivery at the grassroots level.

Later, the Minister also e-inaugurated Dialysis Unit at Government Community Health Centre Surankote, marking an important addition to specialised healthcare facilities available to the people of the area.

MLA, Surankote, Choudhary MohdAkram and other senior officers of health and medical education department were also present on the occasion.

Speaking on the development, the Minister said that this newly inaugurated facility is expected to provide greater convenience to patients requiring dialysis and reduce the need for frequent travel to distant healthcare institutions for this essential treatment.

She added  that the expansion of specialised healthcare facilities at the community level is an important component of the Government’s endeavour to make quality healthcare more accessible and equitable. She maintained that strengthening such facilities would particularly benefit patients suffering from chronic ailments who require regular and uninterrupted treatment.

During the visit, the Acting Chief Justice was briefed by Judicial Magistrate, Karnah, Mansoor Ahmad Mir, on the functioning of the Camp Court, pendency of cases and the catchment area being served by the facility.

Registrar General, High Court, M. K. Sharma; Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority, Shazia Tabassum; Principal District & Sessions Judge, Kupwara, Manjeet Singh; SDM Karnah, Tehsildar Karnah, and officials from various other departments were present on the occasion.

Kulgam : Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, SakeenaItoo, Saturday inaugurated the newly constructed AYUSH building for Government Ayush Dispensary at Khaloora, D.H. Pora.

The inauguration of the healthcare centre in the village was much needed demand towards strengthening the healthcare infrastructure  and enhancing access to AYUSH based healthcare services for the local population and people from adjoining areas.

Constructed at a total cost of ₹30 lakh, the AYUSH facility is aimed at strengthening the delivery of AYUSH healthcare services at the grassroots level and complementing the existing healthcare infrastructure in the region. The facility will provide an important platform for promoting traditional systems of medicine and ensuring wider availability of AYUSH services, particularly for people living in rural and adjoining areas.

The Minister highlighted the significance of strengthening the primary healthcare structure in the rural areas. She said the government is taking several steps towards the direction of ensuring accessible and quality healthcare services for all citizens of J&K.

SakeenaItoo also addressed a public meeting at Khaloora and interacted with the local residents, listening to their concerns and taking feedback on various developmental and public service-related issues. She assured the people that their genuine concerns would be examined on priority and necessary action would be taken by the concerned departments.

Later, the Minister handed over engagement letters to recently engaged Anganwadi helpers of Zone DH Pora by the ICDS (PoshanAbhiyaan).

The Minister was accompanied by Director AYUSH, J&K, Dr. Ajay Kumar Tikoo; Chief Education Officer, Kulgam, Fayaz Ahmad Mir; Chief Medical Officer, Kulgam; Showkat Ahmad Parrey, CDPO, Saddam Hussain, Executive Engineer, PHE Division Kulgam; Executive Engineer, PWD (R&B) Division Kulgam/D.H. Pora, District Nodal Officer, AYUSH Kulgam and other concerned officers and officials.

Waste to Wonder Garden showcases, creativity, adds rustic cues in natural settings: CM Omar Abdullah

SRINAGAR, AUGUST 21: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inaugurated the Waste to Wonder–Flower Garden and Floriculture Mela at Floriculture Park, Polo View, Srinagar, describing the innovative garden as an effort to demonstrate how discarded materials can be given a new life through creativity, reuse and recycling.

The Chief Minister first inaugurated the Floriculture Mela and visited the exhibition showcasing a wide range of floral varieties and products associated with floriculture.

He inspected stalls put up by flower growers and farmers from across the districts of Kashmir, featuring ornamental nurseries, interior herbal plants, pots and terrariums, floral décor and gifts, event management services, cut flowers and machinery and products of J&K Agros, among other items.
Interacting with the stall owners, the Chief Minister appreciated their innovative business models and encouraged them to continue expanding their activities in the floriculture sector. He also wished the growers and entrepreneurs success in their endeavours.

The Floriculture Mela provides flower growers, nursery owners and floriculture enthusiasts from various districts of Kashmir a platform to showcase their floral produce, exchange best practices and explore commercial opportunities in the sector.

Later, the Chief Minister inaugurated the Waste to Wonder–Flower Garden and took a tour of the thematic garden, which features a range of attractive installations created from discarded and scrapped materials. These include a vintage Ambassador car, classic Kashmiri tonga, floral boat, floral scooter, heritage jeep, floral tractor, old tyres and other reclaimed items, which have been creatively transformed into garden features.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the garden was a wonderful initiative of the Department of Floriculture aimed at demonstrating that discarded objects could be reused with thought and imagination.
“This is an effort by the Department of Floriculture to show people that almost anything can be reused if you have the thought and imagination to do so,” he said.
Pointing towards the installations, the Chief Minister said the garden contained several unusual objects that one would not normally imagine being used in a garden, including a tractor, scooter, old jeep, Ambassador car and even a refrigerator in which plants had been placed and decorated.

He said the initiative carries an important message for society to think about reuse and recycling before throwing things away, particularly at a time when solid waste and plastic waste management has emerged as a major challenge in cities and villages.

“Before throwing anything away, we should stop and think whether it can be reused or recycled. Of course, we cannot use every piece of waste as a decorative item, but wherever there is a possibility of recycling or reuse, we should make the effort,” the Chief Minister said.

Emphasising the importance of reducing plastic waste, he said people could adopt simple habits such as carrying reusable bags from home while going shopping instead of taking new plastic bags from shops and subsequently discarding them.

“That is the message behind this garden, and I hope people will come here, enjoy it and also take this message back with them,” he said.

The garden has been conceived as a thematic model landscape based on the principles of Reduce, Recycle and Reuse (RRR). Nearly 90 per cent of the materials used in its construction have been sourced through recycling and refurbishment rather than fresh procurement, making the project an example of resource-efficient and sustainable landscaping.

Designed as an all-season garden, the Waste to Wonder–Flower Garden has been planned to offer continuous bloom from spring through late autumn. Plant selection and bloom-succession scheduling are aimed at keeping the site visually vibrant and florally active across changing seasons.

The Chief Minister also spoke about the scope for further developing the Chrysanthemum Garden, noting that its first season had provided valuable lessons that could be used to improve it during its second season.

Drawing a parallel with the evolution of the Tulip Garden, he said the iconic garden had also started on a much smaller scale and was developed progressively over the years through the addition of features such as fountains, water channels and new levels. “In the same way, we will continue to add to and improve the Chrysanthemum Garden,” he said.

Regarding the Waste to Wonder Garden, the Chief Minister suggested that the Department of Floriculture should visit Chandigarh to study similar initiatives and explore possibilities of recreating and further developing the concept in Jammu and Kashmir.

“If we can recreate a similar Waste to Wonder concept here, it could become a great attraction for tourism,” he said.

Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Bani Dr Rameshwar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Secretary Culture Brij Mohan Sharma, Commissioner Secretary Floriculture, Gardens & Parks Zubair Ahmad, Director Floriculture, Gardens & Parks Kashmir Ms. Mathora Masoom and other concerned officers were present on the occasion.

Special focus was placed on Hazratbal Shrine, where over one lakh devotees are expected. Garg instructed departments to ensure uninterrupted power, backup DG sets, sufficient drinking water, and extra public transport. Directives were also issued for crowd management, sanitation, medical camps, fire safety, and market inspections to prevent overcharging.

During the tour, Sakeena Itoo laid the foundation stone for remodelling of Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) Chatroo, being executed at an estimated cost of ₹13.27 crore. The project is expected to give a significant boost to educational infrastructure and provide improved facilities to the students of the area.

The Minister also inaugurated NTPHC Inderwal and inspected the ongoing work on Government Degree College (GDC) Chatroo, for which she had sanctioned ₹10.62 crore.

Sakeena Itoo was accompanied by MLA Inderwal, Pyare Lal Sharma and ADDC Kishtwar, Vinod Kumar Behal, along with other officers and officials.

During interaction with the public at TRC Chatroo, several issues concerning the upgradation of schools and strengthening of health infrastructure were brought to the notice of the Minister. She gave a patient hearing to the concerns and assured the people of every possible support for their early resolution.

The Minister also asked the MLA Inderwal to submit a consolidated list of the demands and issues raised by the public so that the same could be taken up for immediate redressal on a priority basis.

In a significant announcement, Sakeena Itoo stated that NTPHC Mughal Maidan would be upgraded to a PHC, while PHC Chatroo would be upgraded to a Sub-District Hospital. These measures are aimed at further strengthening the healthcare delivery system and ensuring improved medical facilities for the people closer to their homes.

At TRC Chatroo, Sakeena Itoo distributed motorized tricycles, wheelchairs, baby kits and baby blankets among beneficiaries. Under the “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” initiative, she also distributed sports kits and school bags to various Government Schools and handed over hearing aids to beneficiaries.

On the occasion, she also distributed appointment letters among the newly appointed Anganwadi Workers.

PO ICDS Kishtwar, Rishi Kumar Sharma; CEO KDA Kishtwar, Kaiser Bhawani; CAO Kishtwar, Kushal Chandel; CHO Kishtwar, Sajid Mustafa; CEO Kishtwar, Sanjay Dogra; CAHO Kishtwar; SDM Chatroo, Nayeem Ur Rehman; DSWO Kishtwar, Tariq Parvaiz Qazi; DIO Kishtwar/CDPO Inderwal, Dr. Kuldeep Kumar; Dy. SP Chatroo, Nitish Sharma besides other officers and concerned staff were present on the occasion.

Paying tribute to freedom fighters and martyrs, Itoo highlighted government priorities in education, healthcare, infrastructure, employment and welfare. She urged youth to avail self-employment schemes and become entrepreneurs and job providers.

The celebrations featured patriotic and cultural performances by students. Employees, artists, sportspersons, social activists and others were felicitated for their contributions.

Srinagar : To assess preparedness, synchronize ceremonial proceedings and identify any gaps requiring immediate attention, full dress rehearsals for the upcoming 80th Independence Day celebrations were held across all districts of Kashmir Division with dignity, discipline and patriotic fervour. The rehearsals marked the culmination of extensive preparation and provided a vibrant preview of the grandeur and patriotic spirit that will exemplify the national celebration on August 15. The rehearsals featured an impressive March Past by several contingents, showcasing discipline, coordination and ceremonial precision. The events also witnessed captivating cultural presentations by students and various performing troupes that underscored the values of patriotism, discipline and national unity. At Srinagar: The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, hoisted the National Flag, oversaw the parade, and received the salute during the full dress rehearsal for Independence Day festivities at Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar. Several contingents participated in the march-past parade, including units from the Police, CRPF, NCC Cadets, students, and various security agencies. Later, the Divisional Commissioner witnessed a series of cultural performances that showcased patriotic and cultural songs performed by different artist groups, troupes, and students, aimed at fostering national pride among the citizens. Senior officials present on the occasion included the IGP Kashmir, DIGPs, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, SSP Srinagar, and other high-ranking officers from security and administrative departments. Earlier, the Divisional Commissioner laid floral wreath at BalidanStambh, where he was welcomed by the Deputy Commissioner of Srinagar, DIG Police, and other civil and police administration officials. During his address to media, Anshul Garg conveyed his heartfelt greetings to the citizens in anticipation of Independence Day and affirmed that all arrangements have been finalized to ensure a remarkable celebration at Bakshi Stadium. He noted that Thursday  marked the final rehearsal for departments, contingents, and students for the impressive display on Independence Day. He invited the residents of Srinagar to attend the national celebration at Bakshi Stadium, announcing that entry would be free for the public. He also assured that comprehensive security measures have been implemented and that there is close collaboration among security agencies.

At Baramulla: The full dress rehearsal for the 80th Independence Day celebrations was successfully conducted Thursday  atShowkat Ali Stadium, Khawaja Bagh, Baramulla, ahead of the main function scheduled to be held at the same venue on August 15.

ADDC Baramulla, Pranjal J. Hazarika, unfurled the Tricolour during the ceremony. The National Song was presented first, followed by the unfurling of the National Flag and the National Anthem. The ceremonial march-past was presented by contingents of Police, CRPF, SSB, Fire & Emergency Services, BSF, NCC and students, showcasing discipline, coordination and patriotic spirit.

At Anantnag: A full dress rehearsal for the upcoming Independence Day 2026 celebrations was held Thursday  at Shaheed HimayunMuzzamil Memorial, Government Degree College (Boys), Anantnag. Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Anantnag, Vikas Ahlawat, hoisted the National Flag and took the salute at the march past which was presented by the contingents from CRPF, J&K Police, Home Guards, Fire & Emergency Services, NCC, and various schools. Addressing the gathering, the ADC paid rich tributes to the nation’s freedom fighters, leaders, and martyrs who made supreme sacrifices for the freedom of the country. He emphasized that it is due to their countless efforts and glorious struggle that we are living in an independent country. Ahlawat also highlighted the district’s significant achievements in key sectors under different departments and urged everyone to continue the efforts for further progress and development of the district and country at large. On the occasion, colorful and vibrant cultural items on patriotic themes and rich local heritage and traditions were presented by students from different educational institutions. The rehearsal was attended by ACR, SP, SE R&B, Executive Engineer R&B, CEO, Tehsildar Anantnag, DySP HQ, DySP DAR, DIO, senior officers from police, engineering wings and other departments alongside a large gathering of the general public. The rehearsal also featured vibrant cultural performances by students, adding colour and enthusiasm to the celebrations. The successful conduct of the full dress rehearsal reflected the preparedness of the district administration and participating departments for the main Independence Day function. The district administration urged people from all sections of society to participate in the 80th Independence Day celebrations on August 15 and make the occasion a grand and memorable celebration of the nation’s unity, pride and patriotic spirit.

At Shopian: A full dress rehearsal for Independence Day celebrations was Thursday  held at District Police Lines (DPL) Shopian. Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Dr. Zakir Hussain Faaz, who was the Chief Guest, hoisted the National Flag and took the salute of the parade. The rehearsal witnessed an impressive march-past by contingents of CRPF, J&K Police, J&K Women Police, Forest Protection Force, Home Guards, NCC, GDC Shopian and school students, reflecting remarkable discipline and coordination. The event also featured colourful cultural programmes and patriotic performances by students, adding vibrancy and fervour to the celebrations. Addressing the gathering, the ADC paid rich tribute to the freedom fighters who made supreme sacrifices for the country’s freedom and urged everyone to remember their invaluable contribution. He said that freedom comes with the responsibility to uphold the law, national unity and integrity, calling upon people to remain united and contribute towards the progress and development of the nation and the district. ASP, Executive Engineers, DIO and other district officer’s, officials and people in large numbers were present on this occasion.

At Bandipora : The full dress rehearsal for the 80th Independence Day celebrations was held Thursday  across Bandipora district with patriotic fervour and active participation of students, security forces, officials and the general public. The main function was held at Government Higher Secondary School Nadihal, Bandipora, where Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Bandipora, Nazir Ahmad Mir, hoisted the National Flag, inspected the parade and took the salute at the march-past. The march-past was presented by contingents of CRPF 3rd battalion, J&K Executive Police, BSF, J&K- IRP 21st Batalion, JK SPOs, Home Gaurds, J&K Forest, JKP Women Wing, NCC BHSS Bandipora, NCC Army Good will Schouol Bandipora, NCC High School Bagh, NCC Hr. secondary QuilMuqam, NCC HSS Mantrigam, NCC HSS Nadihal, NCC HSS Aragam, High school Qazipora, G&B Hostel Bandipora, SMS Garoora and followed by police Band Group. In his address, the ADDC highlighted the significance of Independence Day and paid tribute to the sacrifices made by the freedom fighters and martyrs. He underlined the importance of collective responsibility in building a developed, clean and prosperous India and highlighted the progress being made in Bandipora in sectors including education, health, tourism, agriculture, horticulture and basic infrastructure. He also called for greater participation of youth in skill development and employment-oriented initiatives and urged all stakeholders to contribute towards cleanliness and development of the district. The ADDC appreciated the enthusiastic participation of students, officers, security personnel and all stakeholders in the rehearsal and commended the efforts put in to ensure its successful conduct. Senior Superintendent of Police Bandipora, Ajaz Ahmad Zargar, Additional Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, ZaffarHusson Shawl, Assistant Commissioner Revenue Bandipora, Deputy District Election Officer, Chief Education Officer, District Information Officer, Assistant Regional Transport Officer, District Youth Services and Sports Officer and other district officers were present on the occasion. A colourful cultural programme was also presented by students, showcasing patriotism, Kashmiri, Gojri and Shina culture, and the rich cultural diversity of the district. The participating institutions included AGS Hajin and KV BSF Bandipora, GHS Sumbal and HSS Hajin, HS Bonakoot, GHSS Bandipora and JNV Bandipora, G&B Hostel Bandipora and GHS Plan. Similar full dress rehearsal functions were also held at Irrigation Colony Sumbal and Gurez. Syed Shabber Sarwar, Tehsildar Sumbal, hoisted the Tricolour during the Full Dress Rehearsal for 80th Independence Day celebrations at Dak Banglow, Irrigation Colony, Sumbal, while at Gurez, BDO Gurez hoisted the National Flag. Full dress rehearsal activities were also conducted across other blocks of the district as part of the preparations for the Independence Day celebrations.

At Kulgam: In preparation for the 80th Independence Day celebrations, a full dress rehearsal was conducted Thursday  with patriotic fervor at the District Police Lines, Kulgam. Additional Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, Vikar Ahmad Giri, was the chief guest on the occasion who hoisted the National Flag and took the salute during an impressive march past. The ADC inspected the parade and reviewed the preparedness of all participating contingents. The march past, led by Dheeraj Shavan, Dy.SP, was presented by contingents of J&K Police, JK Armed Police, CRPF, Women’s Contingent of J&K Police, Home Guards, NCC Cadets, Band Squad and students from various schools of the district. The contingents displayed synchronized drills, band performances, and ceremonial maneuvers, reflecting high standards of discipline and coordination ahead of August 15. Addressing the participants, ADC Kulgam extended warm greetings to the people of the district on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day. He paid rich tributes to the freedom fighters and brave soldiers who made supreme sacrifices for the sovereignty and integrity of the nation. He urged everyone to uphold the spirit of unity, patriotism, and communal harmony. Scintillating cultural, Patriotic and dramatic performances were showcased by school groups who displayed impressive talent and calibre in their events. The rehearsal witnessed a large and enthusiastic gathering of officials, students, civil society members, and personnel from police, paramilitary and security forces. Additional SP, Mohd Aftab, ACR, Kulgam, Reyaz Ahmad Shah, Dy. SP, DIO, Tehsildar Kulgam, district and sectoral officers, and police officers attended the function.

At Budgam: In connection with the Independence Day-2026 celebrations, a full dress rehearsal was held Thursday  at Sports Stadium Budgam. Additional District Development Commissioner Budgam, Vivek Agarwal, hoisted the National Flag and took salute at the march-past presented by contingents of Police, J&K Armed Police (JKAP), CRPF, NCC and students from various schools of the district. The rehearsal also featured colourful cultural programmes presented by artists, cultural troupes and students. Performances to patriotic and popular local songs enthralled the audience and drew enthusiastic applause. Addressing the gathering, the ADDC extended warm greetings on the occasion and highlighted the developmental achievements and welfare initiatives undertaken in the district. Among those present were ADC Budgam Taufeeq Ahmad Gazi, ASP Budgam Syed Sajjad Bukhari, GM DIC, PO ICDS, CEO, ACD, CHO, CAO, heads of various departments, senior police officers, officers of CRPF and other security agencies, students and media persons.

At Kupwara : A full dress rehearsal for the celebration of the 80th Independence Day was held Thursday  at District Police Lines (DPL), Zangli, Kupwara, as part of the preparations for the district-level Independence Day function. Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara, Gulzar Ahmad, inspected the parade and took the salute during the march-past. The parade featured contingents from Jammu & Kashmir Police, J&K Armed Police (JKAP), CRPF, BSF, Forest Protection Force, besides contingents of school students. The Pipe and Brass Bands of BSF, J&K Police, JKAP and the Army added patriotic fervour to the rehearsal with their coordinated performances during the march-past. Also colourful cultural performances were presented by school students. The performances showcased the themes of national integration, unity in diversity, peace and harmony, and the rich composite culture of Jammu & Kashmir, while also highlighting various government initiatives. Patriotic songs, folk music and traditional dances were among the key attractions of the programme. ASP Kupwara Shahzad Kabir Mattoo, DIO Kupwara Aadil Manzoor Wani, along with other district officers and officials, were present on the occasion. Meanwhile, similar full dress rehearsals were held at District Police Lines, Handwara; Mini Secretariat, Tangdar; and Government Degree College (GDC), Sogam. At Handwara, Tehsildar Zeeshan Khan hoisted the National Flag and took the salute during the march-past, while at Sogam, Tehsildar Saqib Mortaza hoisted the National Flag and took the salute. Officers and officials from the civil administration and police departments participated in the rehearsals. Students from various educational institutions presented vibrant cultural programmes, adding colour and patriotic spirit to the events. The rehearsals were conducted to ensure seamless coordination and preparedness for the Independence Day celebrations across the district.

At Pulwama: A full-dress rehearsal for the Independence Day 2026 celebrations was held Thursday  at the District Police Lines (DPL), Pulwama. The Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Pulwama, Dr. S.M Ashraf hoisted the National Flag and took the salute at the march past. The parade, attended by senior officers from the district administration, police and security forces, featured impressive contingents from various security agencies and local schools. The participants demonstrated excellent marching skills and discipline, reflecting the spirit of patriotism and unity. The rehearsal was followed by a vibrant cultural programme, presented by local artists and school students. The performances highlighted the rich cultural heritage of the region and added a festive charm to the occasion. In line with this, full dress rehearsal functions were also held at DPL Awantipora and Sports Stadium Bajwani, Tral featuring contingents from security forces and students, along with cultural performances, to ensure that all arrangements are in place for the smooth conduct of the Independence Day celebrations on August 15, 2026.

At Ganderbal: A full dress rehearsal for the forthcoming Independence Day-2026 was held Thursday  atQamaria Stadium, Ganderbal. Additional District Development Commissioner Ganderbal unfurled the National Flag, inspected the parade and took the salute at the march-past presented by contingents of Police, security forces, Home Guards and students from various educational institutions. The rehearsal witnessed enthusiastic participation of officers and officials of the Civil and Police Administration, security personnel and school students. The disciplined march-past and patriotic performances by students added to the patriotic fervour and provided a preview of the celebrations scheduled for August 15. The ADDC expressed satisfaction over the arrangements put in place for the smooth conduct of the Independence Day celebrations and appreciated the efforts of all departments involved in the preparations. He further stressed the importance of maintaining proper coordination among all concerned departments and directed the officers to ensure adequate arrangements relating to security, traffic management, sanitation, drinking water, power supply, medical assistance and other essential services for the main function. The full dress rehearsal reflected the spirit of patriotism and enthusiasm among the participants, with school students presenting patriotic items and showcasing their talent as part of the preparations for the national celebration. The event was attended by senior officers of the Civil and Police Administration, district and sectoral officers, security personnel, teachers and students, besides other concerned officials. The District Administration has appealed to all to participate in large numbers and celebrate Independence Day with great zeal, pride and enthusiasm.