For knowing the situation in Kashmir, you should check the local media. This news article is inaccurate.
Here is an article from GreaterKashmir which is the largest english daily in J&K describing I-day celebrations across India
Independence Day celebrated across JK Lastupdate:- Tue, 16 Aug 2011 18:30:00 GMT GreaterKashmir.com
Srinagar, Aug 15: The Independence Day was celebrated across the Jammu and Kashmir with ministers unfurling the tri-colour at various district and Tehsil headquarters.
BUDGAM
The Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs, Abdul Rahim Rather unfurled the tri-colour at district headquarter, Budgam and took salute on the march past comprising contingents of J&K Police, CRPF, NCC cadets and school students.
Speaking on the occasion, Rather recalled the sacrifices of the great leaders, who fought for achieving freedom from the imperialism. He called for safeguarding sovereignty and integrity of the nation.
The Minister while listing landmark achievements of the coalition government said for the first time in the history of the state, a well thought and concrete programme for solving the challenging problem of unemployment was chalked out under Sher-i-Kashmir Employment and Welfare Programme for Youth (SKEWPY). This programme has been acknowledged at the country level and would in coming day catapult the overall employment scenario in the state.
He said present government was very much concerned about the welfare of the people and had come up with Public Services Guarantee Act under which government departments had been made duty bound to respond public issues within a stipulated time limit. This Act shall make administration accountable and eradicate corruption, Rather added.
ISLAMABAD (ANANTNAG)
The tri-colour was unfurled by the Minister for Education, Peerzada Muhammad Sayeed who also took salute on the march past.
He said country in general and J&K state in particular had made several strides in every sector of development. He urged for working unitedly to defeat the enemies of peace adding that peace was necessary for speedy progress and prosperity of the state.
Peerzada also sought peoples cooperation to solve the problem of unemployment, adding parents should motivate their wards to opt for self-employment ventures.
He lauded the centre, especially UPA Chairperson, Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh for providing whole hearted support and assistance to J&K State.
PULWAMA
The Minister for Rural Development, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Ali Muhammad Sagar unfurled the tricolor at District Police Lines, Pulwama and took salute on the march past comprising contingents of J&K Police, Home Guards, NCC Cadets, Fire and Emergency Services and school students.
Sagar recalled the services and sacrifices offered by great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru and Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah for achieving freedom, adding let us take oath on this occasion to work for sovereignty and integrity of the Nation.
He also called for joint efforts to strengthen peace in the state. He said it was very heartening to see a large number of tourists in the state due to peace prevailing in the state.
The Minister said after a gap of 34 years, Panchayat elections in the state were completed successfully, which was a bold and far reaching step of the present coalition government. These elections would empower the people at grass root level, Sagar added and hailed the recent dialogue process between India and Pakistan. He said Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah had always advocated for the peaceful solution of Kashmir issue through negotiations and dialogue.
BARAMULLA
Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Taj Mohi-ud-Din unfurled the tri-colour at district headquarter, Baramulla and took salute at Parade.
The Minister said the present government was striving hard to make the state a centre of peace and amity in the world. He said all the resources were being pooled to ensure speedy development and prosperity of the state. He said equitable development of all the three regions of the state was first priority of the present government.
Taj said implementation of Right to Information Act and Water Resources Act would revolutionize the administrative set-up and improve overall governance scenario. The RTI Act would go a long way to check the menace of corruption, the Minister added.
KUPWARA
Minister for Agriculture, Ghulam Hassan Mir hoisted the flag and took salute on the march past comprising contingents JKP, JKAP, CRPF, IRP, Home Guard, Fire and Emergency Services, District Police Band and students of various schools.
The Minister threw light on the importance of the day and exhorted upon the people for active participation in the development process of the state.
Mir said peace was imperative for nourishing potential of youth of the state. He urged for providing a congenial and peaceful atmosphere to the youth to excel in various fields. We have to bring the youth in the fore front in every developmental programme to shape the destiny of the state, he added. He called upon the people to supplement government efforts to make the J&K a corruption free state. He enjoined upon the youths to adopt self employment programmes for living a dignified life.
KULGAM
Minister for Social Welfare, Sakina Ittoo hoisted the tri-colour in Kulgam district headquarter and took salute on the mach past.
The Minister presented an overview about the developmental scenario of the state, adding that by holding Panchayat polls, the present government has added a golden chapter in the history of the State. These elections would empower the people at grass roots level, she said, adding that Sher-i-Kashmir Employment and Welfare Programme for youth (SKEWPY) was another people-friendly step taken up by the Government to address the un-employment problem in the state.
She said about five lakh aged, widows and destitute women are getting pension under social welfare schemes.
GANDERBAL
Minister for Forests and Environment, Mian Altaf Ahmad hoisted the tri-colour at district headquarter, Ganderbal, after taking salute on the march past comprising contingents of J&K Police, CRPF, IRP, NCC and School students.
Mian Altaf gave a detailed account of the freedom movements and urged the need to further strengthen the values cherished by great leaders of the freedom movement.
He called upon the people to strengthen the hands of the present government for ushering in an era of peace, tranquility, development and prosperity in the state. Altaf also highlighted the landmark achievements of the present government and said equitable development and justice to the people of all the three regions of the state was priority of the government.
SHOPIAN
Minister for CA&PD, Qamar Ali Akhoon hoisted the flag at Sports Stadium, Shopian and took salute on the march past comprising contingents of J&K Police, CRPF, NCC and School students.
The Minister said we should always remember sacrifices of our leaders who fought for independence of the country. He expressed optimism that the dialogue between India and Pakistan would bear fruits and lasting peace would prevail in the Jammu and Kashmir. He called upon all the stakeholders to shun negative thinking and work together for bringing lasting peace in the region by solving unresolved issues through dialogue.
He said Shopian district had got an annual plan outlay of Rs 56 crore besides Rs 40 crore under NREGA. He said opening of Mughal Road would usher a new era of development and prosperity in Shopian area.
BANDIPORA
Minister for Science, Technology and Animal Husbandry, Aga Syed Ruhullah hoisted the tri-colour at Sher-i-Kashmir Sports Stadium Bandipora. He took salute at march past comprising the contingents of JKP, JKAP, CRPF, NCC and School students.
Aga Ruhullah while welcoming the Indo-Pak dialogue initiative said the need was to continue the dialogue process for the prosperity of the region.
The Minister said despite turmoil, the state under the leadership of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah was progressing by leaps and bounds.
Ruhullah said about Rs 65 crore district annual plan had been approved for implementation of various development and welfare programmes during the current fiscal adding 35 more primary schools would also be opened in the district during this year.
The Minister said that Bandipora and Gurez areas were being brought on Tourist map where as a sub-plan of Rs 150 crores had been formulated for the development of border tehsil Gurez.
LEH
Chief Executive Councilor, LAHDC, Leh, Rigzin Spalbar unfurled the tri-colour and took salute on the march past comprising contingents of JK Police, NCC, students from government and private schools.
He urged for protecting sovereignty and integrity of the nation.
At Kargil, the Chief Executive Councilor, LAHDC, Kargil, Kacho Ahmed Ali Khan hoisted the flag and took salute at a parade comprising 22 contingents of JK Police, NCC, students from government and private schools.
Kachoo Ahmed Ali Khan paid rich tributes to the people who sacrificed their lives for attaining freedom of the country. He expressed profound shock and sorrow over the loss of life of 15 Ladakhi artists who were killed in a road accident near Kelong yesterday.
He also presented a picture of the developmental activities being undertaken by the Hill Council in Kargil. He said Rs 35 crores for 14 new projects under NABARD and Rs.50 crores by the Special Task Force have been sanctioned for the district, which is meant for the construction of roads, bridges, buildings, water supply schemes and the improvement of the communication system.
The Chief Executive Councilor said the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has sanctioned Rs 270 crore for provision of solar home energy for un-electrified villages and construction of 11 mini hydel power projects in the district.
I-Day was also celebrated at Drass, Padum, Zanskar, Sankoo, Chikten and other places of the district.
Executive Councilor, Haji Ghulam Amir hoisted the flag at Chikten, Executive Councilor Aga Syed Kazim Sabiri at Sankoo, Executive Councilor Punchoq Tashi at Padum and SDM Drass at Drass respectively.
The concerned legislators of various districts, District Development Commissioners, SSPs, senior citizens and district officers also attended the flag hoisting ceremonies.
The cultural troops of various schools, cultural foras and J&K Information Department presented colourful cultural items comprising patriotic songs and national integrity on these occasions.
KISHTWAR
Like other parts of the State, the I-Day was celebrated at district headquarter, Tehsil and blocks of Marwah, Warwan, Padder and Chhatroo here today.
The main function was held in the Chowgon ground, where Minister of State for Power, Forest, CAPD, Transport, Shabir Ahmed Khan hoisted the Tri-color and took salute at the march past by 21 contingents.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister said India had emerged a largest democracy in the world having a secular character and striding fast on economic front.
Referring to the states development scenario, Khan listed the achievements made by the coalition government, which, he said was committed to usher the state into an era of progress under the dynamic leadership of the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah and expressed gratitude to the UPA Chairperson and Prime Minister for providing liberal financial support to the state.
He said the central leadership was taking keen interest in the development of the Jammu and Kashmir state for which it had been providing liberal funding. Khan also reiterated the governments resolve to tackle the unemployment by way of initiating a number of power projects for harnessing the power potentials of 20000 Mega Watt.
He said if tapped optimally the hydro power projects would provide ample avenues for the educated unemployed, skilled and semi skilled youths in the state.
The Minister also sought public cooperation in the endevour of taking the state on the path of progressive and maintaining peace among all communities in the state. He stressed upon the gathering to remain united and resist the evil designs of the anti/nationals elements.
A cultural programme was also presented by the artists of various schools which enthralled the audience.
Later, the Minister distributed trophies among the participant of March past, cultural parties and others and appreciated their national spirit in making the I-day programme a successful event in Kishtwar.
Among others, District Development Commissioner, Kishtwar, ADC, ADDC, ACR, Commandants 9 Sector RR and CRPF, SP, all district officers, prominent citizens, political and social workers.
DODA
Minister for Tourism and Culture, Nawang Rigzin Jora unfurled the tricolor and took salute at the march past by the contingents of JKP, CRPF, JKAP, FPF, NCC and School Children.
Congratulating the people of Doda, Jora said that equal opportunities irrespective of the cast, culture, region or religion had been the considerable achievement of India civilization. The Minister said that making provision for all basis amenities to the people living in far flung and remote areas of the state was the priority of the government headed by the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah.
He said road connectivity to rural areas under PMGSY was being provided, which has also facilitated inter-district and intra region trade and commerce.
Jora said Health Care facilities under NRHM by construction of Hospitals, PHCs, CHCs has greatly improved the Health care delivery system in the state. He also made a mention about the achievements registered under RGGVY- a flagship scheme envisaging electrification of uncovered villages.
The Minister also elaborated upon the scope of employment under MGNREGA and the benefits being provided under IAY, SSA, SKEWPY and other State and Centrally sponsored flagship programmes. He said with the liberal funding from center, the Jammu and Kashmir state had developed at par with the other states of the country.
He however said more was yet to be done to improve the socio-economic status of the people of the State, especially in rural areas. He said peace and harmony was imperative for the development and progress of the State.
He lauded enthusiasm and whole hearted participation of the people of Doda on in the I-Day celebrations and said unity and integrity was the strength of our country which helped it to frustrate the evil designs of the enemy.
A colorful cultural programme depicting the rich cultural heritage of the state and country was also presented by the school children on the occasion which mesmerized the audience. The Main attractions of the programme were Bhaderwahi songs and dance, Siraji song and dance, Gujrati Garba Dance, Gojri Mushaira, Qawalli, Gymnastics besides other items presented by the school children.
MLC Khalid Najib Sohrwardy, District Development Commissioner Doda, Farooq Ahmed Khan, Senior Superintendent of Police Varinder Sharma, CO10 RR Doda, besides other District and Sectoral officers attended the celebration.
Later consolation prizes, commendation certificates and mementoes were distributed among the participants and officers by the Minister on the occasion.
Similar celebrations were also held at Tehsil Headquarter Bhaderwah where Sub Divisional Magistrate Bhaderwah, S V Meena un-furled the tricolor and took salute at the march past. Cultural programmes were also presented on the occasion.
