Baramulla: The 72th Republic Day was celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm across district Baramulla on Tuesday. The main function was celebrated in district police lines Baramulla where the Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Baramulla Aijaz Abdullah Saraaf unfurled the tricolor, inspected the parade and took salute. The parade was presented by the police, CRPF, students of several schools, Fire and emergency services, home guards and other bands. Speaking on the occasion, the ADDC extended his warm greetings to the people and highlighted the importance of republic day in the history of India. He enlisted various achievements recorded by the district in different sectors and said that several developmental projects having great public significance, have been completed by the administration. He also highlighted various initiatives taken by the district administration to combat the challenge of COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, ADDC extends his applause and appreciation to all such officers/officials who worked tirelessly during COVID-19 pandemic.
He termed the COVID-19 warriors as real heroes who worked round the clock for the betterment of society. Underlining the need of maintaining peace and communal harmony for development, the ADDC said that Baramulla district is a glaring and shining example of brotherhood where people of different faiths and communities co-exists peacefully. He also said that different welfare schemes and programmes, sponsored by central government are being implemented smoothly so that their benefit reaches at the ground level. Later, a prize distribution ceremony was organized during which different functionaries viz officers/officials, COVID-19 warriors, best performing cultural artists, parade commanders among others were felicitated. DIG North Kashmir, SSP Baramulla, ADC Baramulla, various district and sectoral officers among others were present on the occasion.
It is mentioned here that deputy commissioner Baramulla Dr Gulam Nabi Itoo was recently transferred and he took charge of director tourism and the new deputy commissioner yet not joined the office in Baramulla.
In neighbouring Kupwara district, the newly appointed deputy commissioner Kupwara Imam u Din unfurled the national flag and took salute from march past.
In Bandipora, the depty commissioner Bandipora hoisted the tricolour and took salute from the parade.
The similar functions were held in border towns Uri, Sopore, Tangmarg, Pattan, Handwara, Hajin and Guraz areas of north Kashmir where officials including SDM and Tehsildar unfurled the national flag.

Reader correspondent