77 th Independence Day celebrations see huge rush in Kashmir, Winds of change have begun to blow
| 16-Aug-2023 |
Earlier, Independence day celebrations in Kashmir valley were synonymous with hartals, curbs and internet shutdowns but almost after two decades, this year’s independence day function in the newly renovated Bakshi stadium in Srinagar city witnessed unprecedented rush of people. Positive change in the wind could be felt after the abrogation of article 370. Various schools across J&K also held flag hoisting ceremonies.
Long cues of people including women and children were seen outside the Bakshi stadium to attend I-Day function. LG J&K Manoj Sinha highlighted the change in valley’s situation brought about four years ago, while referring to article 370’s abrogation in 2019. There are no curbs of any kind on the movement of people on this day, no internet shutdown, something which used to be a norm on I-Day in Kashmir.
Large number of people also made their presence felt at Srinagar’s historic Lal Chowk to celebrate 77th I-day. Tricolour was hoisted on the newly renovated Ghanta Ghar amid security.
Families of terrorists hoisted national flags at their homes.
Families of active Hijbul terrorists hoisted national flags at their homes this I-Day. They were seen waving tricolours amidst Jai Hind chants and thanking the incumbent J&K administration to bring positive change in the valley where there are no curbs of any kind on I-Day which used to be a routine affair. They said they are not under any pressure to wave the flag. Markets are open, people are happy and they also sought Govt’s help in bringing back their loved ones who took on the wrong path.
Shehla Rashid, an antagonist of PM Modi’s policies, attributed him for the change in Kashmir while reflecting it as an upside of abrogation of article 370.
The present J&K UT administration has managed to carve the atmosphere which is opposite to the past culture and today, youth are being made aware of the endless opportunities they have in this new Kashmir.
In one fell swoop, the present government has managed to end a decades-long identity crisis for Kashmiris. The upside of abrogation of Art. 370? Perhaps the next generation won't grow up with a conflicted identity. Perhaps there won't be more bloodshed. Here's hoping, Shehla Rashid tweeted.
In another tweet, Shehla admitted that human rights graph has significantly improved under the incumbent PM Modi’s government and LG administration in Kashmir while referring to a video of a brother of an active terrorist waving tricolour in Kashmir.
"However inconvenient it may be to admit this, the human rights record in Kashmir has improved under the @narendramodi government and @OfficeOfLGJandK administration. By a purely utilitarian calculus, the govt's clear stance has helped save lives overall. That's my angle.” she tweeted.
NC Vice President Omar Abdullah also complimented on long queues outside Bakshi stadium for Independence parade
National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah also didn’t stay behind in admitting that wind of change is blowing in Kashmir after witnessing long queues of people outside Srinagar’s Bakshi stadium to participate in Independence Day celebrations. However it was a backhanded compliment seeking assembly elections in the Union Territory.
"Excellent. So when can these same people expect to be queueing outside polling booths for assembly elections?”, he tweeted.
Mr. Omar Abdullah has been demanding elections in J&K which were last held in 2014. PDP and BJP coalition government formed government in 2015. The BJP walked out of the coalition in 2018 and the government was dissolved. Then, on 5 August 2019, Article 370 of the Constitution was abrogated which gave special status to the erstwhile state of J&K.
J&K has been without an elected assembly since 2018.
Nightlife has returned to Kashmir valley after 3 long decades
Nightlife has returned to Kashmir valley after three long decades where people were seen rushing to homes after dusk due to restrictions and curbs. Shops, business establishments used to close early due to fear of terrorist attacks.
Abrogation of Article 370 on 5 August, 2019 paved the way for restoring peace and lost glory of Kashmir. Normalcy is night life has led to common man having a sigh of relief.
The J-K Tourism Department during the past three years has worked hard to make sure that tourists don't have to shut themselves in the hotels after 8 pm. The revival of nightlife has led to the business establishments remaining open till late hours which has enhanced the sales and profit margins of the business people.