J&K L-G, CM Laud Security Forces, Rally for National Pride at Tiranga Yatra

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday commended security forces for avenging the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians.

Speaking at the Tiranga Yatra here, Sinha urged citizens to honor the sacrifices made for India’s freedom and security. “We pay tribute to those who fought colonialism and to our forces who avenged the Pahalgam attack. It’s our duty to protect their aspirations,” he said.

The Lt. Governor noted the growing enthusiasm for the Tiranga Yatra over the past five years, aligning it with the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India). He highlighted the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign, launched on August 2, which, he asserted, has inspired J&K’s youth.

“The tricolor is my strength, my heartbeat. We live and die for its honor,” he declared, expressing his wish to be reborn to serve the nation.

Launching the Tiranga Yatra from famed Dal Lake to the Botanical Garden, nestled in the Zabarwan hills, Lt.Governor honoured the freedom fighters and soldiers who upheld the tricolour’s glory. He emphasized that the Yatra celebrates national unity and pride, urging citizens to reflect on their duties and build a prosperous J&K. 

“Under PM Narendra Modiji’s leadership”, he said, Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing inclusive development, fulfilling the dreams of its people. He thanked the youth, women, cultural and educational institutions, J&K Police, and security forces for their participation in the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign.

Sinha described the tricolour’s prominence across the region, from Jhelum to Chenab, and praised activities like Tiranga Mela, concerts, and bike rallies for promoting unity and patriotism.

“Thousands of people proudly joined to honour the national flag, which symbolises our unity, pride and shared identity. Today is the day to celebrate the success of our great nation, however, we should also introspect about our duties and build on our successes,” he said. He added, “We must also resolve to build the edifice of modern and prosperous J&K on the foundation of sacrifices of our soldiers of Army, CAPFs and police.”

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, also speaking at the Yatra, emphasized the tricolour as a symbol of unity, peace, and diversity. He recalled a citizen’s legal battle to allow every Indian to hoist the national flag at home, highlighting the power of individual determination. “This flag is our identity. We must honor its dignity by remembering the sacrifices made for it,” he said, urging citizens to uphold secularism and brotherhood.

Lt. Governor encouraged enthusiastic participation in the campaign’s third phase starting August 13, calling it a pledge to make J&K a leader in all fields. During the event, Sinha honoured Kargil War heroes and released a monograph for J&K’s martyrs. A Tiranga Concert paid tribute to freedom fighters, rekindling patriotic spirit.

Separately, Sinha felicitated 79 cyclists, including 40 local youth and 39 Border Security Force (BSF) personnel, who completed a 79-km ‘Pedal for Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ rally organized by the paramilitary force to mark the 79th Independence Day.

The rally, covering northern Bandipora town to Srinagar’s Humhama quarter, celebrated India’s unity and inspired youth to join security forces.

The Lt. Governor praised the BSF’s valor and called the cyclists symbols of India’s courage, representing 79 years of independence. He urged citizens to prioritize nation-building, remain vigilant against divisive elements, and join the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign. He also paid tribute to civilians killed in the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, stating, “Through Operations Mahadev and Sindoor, we have avenged Pakistan’s brutality. Any further aggression will come at a heavy price.”