A historic Independence Day celebration took place in Jammu and Kashmir as CM Omar Abdullah hoisted the national flag at the Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar. This event marked a significant shift, being the first time in eight years that an elected Chief Minister oversaw the flag-hoisting ceremony. Previously, Mehbooba Mufti, as PDP President, had led the celebrations in 2017. Political changes in 2018, including the BJP withdrawing support, led to Governor’s rule.
The ceremony included a guard of honor, an inspection of the parade, and a salute by Abdullah to the marching contingents from various forces and schools. In addition, Abdullah’s cabinet colleagues led Independence Day events in other key district headquarters. As a mark of respect, the traditional cultural program was canceled, with the focus shifted to honor those who lost their lives in the recent floods in Kishtwar.
The Governor hoisted the national flag during the 2018 and 2019 celebrations, and the Lieutenant Governor took over this duty from 2020 to 2024. The period from August 2019 until last year was marked by the absence of an elected government following the revocation of Article 370. Elections were held at the end of last year, which led to the formation of the first government in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir with Omar Abdullah as the Chief Minister.