Srinagar, Aug 14: National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Friday said Independence Day is an occasion to reaffirm the nation’s commitment to democracy, secularism, constitutional values and federalism as he sought restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir.

In a statement, Abdullah extended warm greetings to the people of India, particularly the people of Jammu and Kashmir, on the eve of 80th Independence Day.

He said it is an occasion to remember the sacrifices made for the country’s freedom and to reaffirm the nation’s commitment to democracy, secularism, constitutional values and federalism.

The three-time chief minister of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir said the day should inspire collective resolve to strengthen these foundational principles and deepen democratic institutions.

Emphasising the importance of a strong federal structure, Abdullah said India’s strength and resilience lies in its diversity, plurality and the constitutional balance between the Union and the states.

He stressed that empowering states, safeguarding their constitutional space and strengthening their institutions were essential to preserving the spirit of cooperative federalism.

“When the states are strong, the country is strong. In the same spirit the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir must be restored without any further delay. This would not only honour the democratic aspirations and sentiments of the people of Jammu and Kashmir but would also reinforce the federal character of the Indian Union,” he said.

The NC chief said the people of Jammu and Kashmir had participated enthusiastically in the democratic process two years ago and exercised their franchise to elect a popular government.

However, he said, the elected government continues to function without the full constitutional and administrative powers ordinarily available to a state government.

“The essence of democracy is that people’s mandate must translate into meaningful authority. Independence Day provides an opportunity to reaffirm our faith in democracy, federalism and the people’s right to govern themselves through their elected representatives.

“The restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir is therefore both a democratic imperative and an important step towards strengthening public confidence in India’s federal structure,” he added.

Meanwhile, the statement said, Abdullah paid obeisance at the historic Hazratbal Shrine and offered Friday prayers there.

He prayed for lasting peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir, the progress and well-being of the Muslim Ummah, the welfare and prosperity of humanity, and peace, justice and relief for the Palestinian people, it said.

He also appealed to the faithful to offer special prayers for the welfare of the Muslim Ummah and for an end to the “suffering and hardships being faced by the Palestinian people”.

Security Headquarters, J&K, has granted in-situ promotion to 1,028 police personnel of different ranks, recognising their dedicated service and commitment to duty.

The promotion process was conducted under the chairmanship of IGP Security J&K Sujit Kumar, IPS. The cases of eligible officials were examined as per prescribed rules and eligibility criteria, following which 1,028 personnel were found fit and promoted to their respective higher ranks.

Congratulating the promoted personnel and their families, Kumar appreciated their hard work, discipline, professionalism and dedication.

He said the promotions bring greater responsibility and higher professional expectations, urging the personnel to continue serving with dedication, integrity and discipline.

The IGP reiterated that the welfare and professional growth of police personnel remain priorities of Security Headquarters. He expressed confidence that the promoted officials would contribute effectively to strengthening the security apparatus and maintaining operational preparedness.

Security Headquarters extended its congratulations and best wishes to all 1,028 personnel for their future assignments and responsibilities.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today felicitated 12 winners of various competitions organised during the Tulip Show and Badamwari Spring Festival, recognising their creativity, artistic talent and innovative use of digital media in promoting J&K’s iconic spring gardens and floral heritage.

The winners, who included a large number of students, particularly from Government Schools, were presented cash prizes and certificates of participation by the Chief Minister at a felicitation ceremony held here.

The awards covered three categories—painting, Instagram reels and photography—with winners securing the first, second and third positions in each category. In the painting competitions, Farhan Ali Bhat, Soleha Tanveer and Roja Fayaz secured the first, second and third positions respectively in the Tulip Festival 2026 competition, while Ahmreen Bashir, Mir Maryam Zaffar and Hanzala Shafiq bagged the top three positions in the Badamwari Almond Festival 2026 painting competition.

In the Instagram Reel Competition organised in connection with the Tulip Show 2026, Salman Ahmad Wani, Shazeeb Iqbal and Ayush Anand secured the first, second and third positions respectively. In the photography competition, Umair Wani, Saba Reshi and Sharafat Khan emerged winners, securing the first, second and third positions respectively.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that the objective of these competitions was not only to encourage artistic and creative talent among students and young people but also to garner greater public attention to J&K’s major floral attractions through contemporary platforms.

The Chief Minister highlighted the main floral events in the annual floriculture calendar while appreciating that Badamwari, Tulip Garden and newly added Chrysanthemum festival witnessed great public participation and that these events get further visibility and attention through competitions in painting, photography and social media content creation.

He said the competitions provided an opportunity to recognise both traditional artistic expression and modern technology. He commended students from various schools for having won the prizes today and expressed the hope that more students will participate in these competitions next year.

The Chief Minister observed that while the painting competitions provide a platform for young artists to capture the beauty of the gardens on canvas, the photography and Instagram Reel competitions help showcase these destinations to a much wider audience through social media.

He emphasized that such initiatives help combine creativity, technology and tourism promotion, while nurturing young talent and creating greater awareness about J&K’s distinctive floral attractions.

Later, the Chief Minister also inspected the award-winning paintings and went through the photographs and Instagram reels submitted by the participants, appreciating the creativity and talent reflected in the entries.

Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Commissioner Secretary Floriculture, Parks & Gardens Zubair Ahmed, Director Floriculture Kashmir Mathora Masoom, officers and officials of the Floriculture Department, awardees, participants and media persons were present on the occasion.