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Independence Day observed in Kashmir amid heightened security

Monday, 16 August 2021 2:46 AM [ Last Update: Monday, 16 August 2021 2:46 AM ]

Syed Ali Safvi

Press TV, Kashmir

On Sunday August 15, 2021 India celebrated its 75th independence day in Indian administered Kashmir the main event to mark the day was held in the region's capital city Srinagar.

The region's Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Unfurled the national flag and took salute from the parade. The event was largely attended by government functionaries. The region's officials had temporarily relaxed Covid restrictions for the Independence Day.

While the mood inside the stadium was ecstatic, outside people observed spontaneous shutdown to protest what they call New Delhi's failure to address the wishes and aspirations of the people. They say the New Delhi's stripping of Kashmir's special status in 2019 has further alienated the people of Kashmir.

The authorities had heightened security, deployed sharpshooters and pressed drones into service to keep watch over the region's capital city and prevent any attack by the armed pro-independence groups. They also issued directions to heads of the educational institutes to hoist Indian flag at their respective schools. The order has drawn strong criticism from different quarters.

Meanwhile, unlike the past, internet and mobile services have remained unaffected on the independence day in Kashmir. Kashmir is a bone of contention between India and Pakistan. Both the nations claim the region in full but rule it in parts.

As India celebrates its 75th independence day, life in Kashmir has again come to a grinding halt. Observers believe unless New Delhi addresses the basic issue of Kashmir and reduces the trust deficit , it cannot win the hearts and minds of people here.

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