Kathua, Aug 15: The 80th Independence Day was celebrated with patriotic fervour at Sports Stadium Kathua, where Minister for FCS&CA, IT, Youth Services and Sports, Science and Technology Satish Sharma hoisted the National Flag at Sports Stadium Kathua.

The Minister took salute from the impressive march-past presented by the contingents of police, Security Forces, Forest, NCC and school students.

MLA Kathua Dr Bharat Bhushan, Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma, SSP Kathua Mohita Sharma, senior officers of civil and police administration, ex-servicemen, prominent citizens, students and locals were present on the occasion.

The Minister, as per an official statement, inspected the parade and extended warm greetings to the people of Kathua and Jammu and Kashmir. He paid rich tributes to freedom fighters, martyrs and soldiers guarding the nation’s frontiers, particularly those who made the supreme sacrifice in defence of the country.

Describing Kathua as a frontier district and sentinel of the nation, he lauded the courage and resilience of its people.

Satish Sharma said the Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, is committed to balanced development and equitable opportunities across Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasised that a strong Jammu is integral to a strong Jammu and Kashmir and a strong India.

Highlighting development initiatives in Kathua, he said over Rs. 70 crore have been allocated under District Capex Budget 2026-27 for 2,079 works across 16 sectors, with 1,978 works already taken up.

On food security and consumer welfare, the Minister highlighted 100 per cent digitisation of ration cards, near-total Aadhaar seeding and rapid progress in e-KYC under the SMART Public Distribution System. He said AAY households are receiving 35 kg of free foodgrains per month while Priority Households receive 5 kg per person, benefiting over one crore beneficiaries across Jammu and Kashmir. He also highlighted deployment of 20 mobile testing vans, intensified market inspections and measures against hoarding and overpricing.

Regarding transport, Satish Sharma said free travel for women in government-run buses has been introduced to enhance mobility and dignity. He informed that 200 new buses are being added to the fleet besides modernisation of vehicle fitness testing, free ridership for persons with disabilities and processing of applications for a modern vehicle scrapping centre in Kathua.

Highlighting sports and youth initiatives, the Minister said Kathua has the potential to emerge as a sports capital. He lauded the district’s young athletes and informed that more than 4,500 children have participated in national-level sports events. He said 93 Khelo India centres are being established across Jammu and Kashmir to nurture talent at the grassroots level.

Referring to sports infrastructure in Kathua, Satish Sharma said a joint inspection was recently conducted to assess facilities and address the requirements of sportspersons and elected representatives. Water ATMs, washrooms and cleanliness measures are being taken up while a DPR has been prepared for upgradation of the stadium, synthetic track, floodlights and compound wall. He said Rs. 185 crore are being invested in sports infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir during the current financial year, including Rs. 13 crore worth of works in Kathua with Rs. 5 crore being spent this year.

Jammu, Aug 15: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Saturday, while reiterating the demand for early restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, hoped that it (J&K) would celebrate its next Independence Day as a State and not as a Union Territory.

“Whatever I’ve said in my Independence Day address, is my final statement. It is up to you (media) how you want to perceive it. Early restoration of statehood to J&K is our fervent demand. This has been promised by the Prime Minister and the Home Minister of the country to the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he stated, while responding to media queries after the culmination of official 80th Independence Day function at M A Stadium, Jammu.

“We hope that next year when we celebrate Independence Day, J&K will be a State again. It would have regained its status of a State by then and it would no more be a Union Territory. People of Jammu and Kashmir are fed up with its Union Territory status and their patience level has reached its brim,” Choudhary asserted, almost echoing the sentiments which he expressed during his Independence Day address as well.

In his address also, Choudhary maintained that the people of Jammu had a pain and frustration in their hearts that they were deprived of their due or equitable share in different spheres of life.

“Even at present, Jammu division’s universities, IIM, IIT, AIIMS are headed by the outsiders and Jammu’s professors and doctors are not getting their due share. J&K’s IAS, IPS, JKAS, JKPS officers, doctors and professors have been deprived of their due status, respect. As far as the industrial sector is concerned, there also locals are being forced to play a second fiddle and outsiders are being given precedence over them (locals),” he alleged.

Describing it as a matter of serious concern, Choudhary said it needed serious introspection.

He recalled during Independence Day function in 2025, it was hoped that in 2026, the day (Independence Day) would be celebrated with the unfurling of the national flag in J&K State and not in UT.

“Today, on behalf of all the citizens of J&K, I reiterate our demand and urge the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister to keep their promise and restore statehood to J&K. I renew my hope to envision that we will celebrate next Independence Day in a full-fledged (J&K) State and not in UT,” he averred.

On youth empowerment, the Deputy Chief Minister asserted the Omar Abdullah-led government was working to create opportunities for youth in both government and private sectors besides innovating self-employment avenues. He referred to recruitments made in various departments and vacancies referred to the JKSSRB and JKPSC, expressing hope that the recruitment process would be completed at the earliest.

Earlier Deputy Chief Minister hoisted the National Flag at M A Stadium Jammu on the occasion of 80th Independence Day. He inspected the parade and took a salute from the participating contingents.

Addressing the gathering, he extended warm greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the nation on the 80th Independence Day and paid rich tributes to the freedom fighters and martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice for the country’s independence.

Highlighting Jammu and Kashmir’s role in Nation-building, the Deputy Chief Minister said the Government remains firmly committed to ensuring all-round, balanced and inclusive development across the Union Territory. He said focused attention is being given to roads, bridges, power, water supply, healthcare, education, agriculture, industries and other vital sectors.

Choudhary said strengthening the industrial sector was one of the government’s priorities and efforts were underway to establish new industries and generate employment opportunities for local youth. He emphasised that the youth of Jammu and Kashmir must receive priority in emerging employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.

He also highlighted initiatives in education and healthcare, saying that efforts were being made to improve access to quality education and expand healthcare infrastructure and opportunities for medical education in Jammu and Kashmir.

Describing farmers as the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, he said the government was committed to ensuring that farmers prosper through agriculture, horticulture and allied sectors. He stressed the need to provide farmers with better support, modern facilities and opportunities to enhance their income.

Expressing serious concern over drug abuse among youth, the Deputy Chief Minister appealed to young people to stay away from drugs and criminal activities. He said the Government was committed to building a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir and called upon families, educational institutions, civil society and the youth to join the campaign against substance abuse.

Choudhary urged the youth to utilise their energy and talent in education, sports, innovation, entrepreneurship and nation-building, saying that the future of Jammu and Kashmir depends largely on the aspirations, determination and constructive participation of its young generation.

He also emphasised on the importance of protecting the environment. Referring to the increasing incidents of cloudbursts, floods, landslides and other extreme weather events, he called upon citizens to actively participate in afforestation and environmental conservation.

He urged people to give practical meaning to initiatives such as “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” by not only planting trees but also taking responsibility for their care and survival. He said environmental protection was a collective responsibility and requires active participation from every section of society.

Referring to the recent natural disasters in Jammu and Kashmir, the Deputy Chief Minister said the government took prompt measures to restore connectivity and provide relief and assistance to affected people. He assured that all possible support would continue to be extended to families and areas affected by recent cloudbursts and floods.

Highlighting Jammu and Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage, he said the government was committed to showcasing the region’s centuries-old art, culture, traditions and craftsmanship on national and international platforms. He emphasised the need to support local artisans, craftsmen and workers and provide them with greater opportunities.

Calling upon the people to work collectively towards building a peaceful, prosperous and developed Jammu and Kashmir, the Deputy Chief Minister said the government’s vision was to ensure that every child received quality education, every farmer would get due value for his or her hard work, every woman would feel safe and empowered, and every young person would get an opportunity to realise their dreams.

The celebrations witnessed an impressive display of patriotism and cultural diversity, with students from government and private schools presenting colourful cultural programmes. The performances reflected the rich cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir and conveyed messages of national unity, patriotism and harmony.

Choudhary also recalled the long and historic struggle for freedom and highlighted the sacrifices of countless freedom fighters who fought against colonial rule. He said, “The Tricolour is a symbol of sacrifices, unity, brotherhood and collective aspiration of every Indian.”

The Deputy Chief Minister also paid rich tributes to the Armed Forces, Jammu and Kashmir Police and security forces for their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation and maintaining peace and security in Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking on the development journey of the country, he said India has made remarkable progress since independence and is today among the leading economies of the world. He credited farmers, soldiers, scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, workers and citizens from all walks of life for contributing to the nation’s progress.

The programme was attended by Member of Parliament Lok Sabha Jugal Kishore Sharma; Member of Parliament Rajya Sabha Sat Paul Sharma; MLA, Ramban Arjun Singh Raju; MLA, Gulabgarh, Khurshied Ahmed; MLA, Nagrota, Devyani Rana; Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Ramesh Kumar; IGP Jammu Zone Bhim Sen Tuti; Deputy Commissioner Jammu; SSP Jammu, and senior officers of civil and police administration besides a large number of people from different walks of life.

Jammu, Aug 15: Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Saturday expressed hope that the Union Territory would regain full statehood by the time the country celebrates Independence Day next year, asserting that restoration of statehood is a clear demand of the people.

Choudhary said that restoration of statehood to J-K is a clear demand of the people and also a promise made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.

“The restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir is our clear demand. This is not merely our demand; it is also a promise made by the prime minister and the home minister to the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he told reporters here after the Independence Day address.

Choudhary said he hoped that by the time the country celebrates Independence Day next year.

“We hope that when we celebrate Independence Day next year, Jammu and Kashmir will no longer be a Union Territory but will once again have full statehood. The people of J-K have grown tired of the union territory arrangement and want statehood restored at the earliest,” the deputy chief minister said.

Choudhary unfurled the tricolour at the Independence Day ceremony at the Maulana Azad Stadium in Jammu and extended greetings to the people.

Paying rich tributes to the freedom fighters and martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence, he called upon people to remember the sacrifices of mothers and sisters who lost their sons and brothers in the service of the nation.

Speaking at the Independence Day function at the Maulana Azad Stadium here, the deputy chief minister highlighted the government’s development initiatives, saying that efforts were underway to take Jammu and Kashmir towards new heights of development.

He said the government was taking several steps to promote industries and establish new factories in Jammu and Kashmir, with an emphasis on providing employment opportunities to local youth.

He also highlighted employment schemes being implemented by the government and said efforts were underway to expand opportunities for the youth.

On education, Choudhary said the government was working to ensure access to education from the primary level to higher education, with special emphasis on girls’ education and women’s empowerment.

He said increasing medical education opportunities and promoting traditional systems of medicine such as Ayurveda were also among the government’s priorities.

“Jammu and Kashmir’s real strength lies in its villages, farmers, youth, culture, heritage and hardworking people. These are the pillars of our social, commercial and economic strength,” he said.

The deputy chief minister said that development works were being accelerated across the union territory, particularly in roads, water supply, sanitation, education and agriculture.

He also emphasised the need to preserve and promote Jammu and Kashmir’s centuries-old art, culture, handicrafts and heritage on the global stage.

Calling for unity, peace and prosperity, Choudhary urged citizens to work collectively for the development and a brighter future of Jammu and Kashmir.

“Remember those sacrifices and take a pledge that they will not go in vain. We must move forward with determination for the unity, integrity, peace and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.