79th I-Day celebrations: Javed Rana unfurls National Flag at Poonch

Poonch, Aug 15: Marking the 79th Independence Day of the nation, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, hoisted the National Flag at the Sports Stadium Poonch during a magnificent ceremony that radiated patriotic fervour across the district.
The celebrations were graced by DDC Chairperson Tazeem Akhter, Deputy Commissioner Poonch Ashok Kumar Sharma and Senior Superintendent of Police Poonch Shafket Hussain Bhat, along with DDC Members Abdul Ghani and Riaz Naz besides PRIs, senior district officials, representatives of the armed forces, civil society members, students and citizens from all corners of the district.
The Minister inspected the ceremonial parade and took the salute, upholding the rich traditions and spirit of the national celebration.
In his address, Javed Ahmed Rana began by expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives caused by the recent cloudbursts in Kishtwar district. He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and assured that the Government is making all-out efforts to conduct swift rescue operations and provide comprehensive assistance to the injured and displaced.
Paying homage to the indomitable spirit and supreme sacrifices of the freedom fighters, the Minister urged everyone to reaffirm their collective commitment to the ideals they valiantly championed.
He lauded Poonch’s illustrious legacy of courage and resilience, noting that the district continues to embody the spirit of unity and fortitude in the shared endeavour to build a stronger, more inclusive and equitable India.
Rana emphasized the pivotal role played by the people of Poonch in safeguarding the national unity and enriching India’s democratic ethos. He reiterated the commitment of the Omar Abdullah-led Government to environmental sustainability, the holistic development of tribal communities and ensuring the water security through robust initiatives under the Jal Shakti Mission.