Srinagar, Aug 14 (IANS) Security across Jammu and Kashmir was on high alert on Friday on the eve of the country’s 80th Independence Day as security checkposts, barricades and frisking of people at various entry points into the twin cities of Jammu and Srinagar continued during the day. Significantly, now many don’t fear holding and carrying the National Flag to display patriotism in the Union Territory.
Amid the ubiquitous presence of the security forces in Srinagar, Jammu and other district headquarters of the Union Territory, life remained normal with office goers, transporters, school, colleges, universities and businesses functioning normally.
Life remained completely tension free throughout the Union Territory on Friday as police and the CRPF jawans manning various checkposts carried on their duties with politeness and in a cordial manner.
Senior police officers monitored the situation and also carried out supervisory checks at various places in Srinagar and Jammu cities.
In sharp contrast to the past, no separatist group has given any protest call on August 15. These groups used to call for ‘civil curfew’ and ‘blackout’ on January 26 and August 15 to attract attention after separatist violence started here in 1990.
People used to keep away from official celebrations in connection with the country’s Republic Day and the Independence Day because of the fear of reprisal from the terrorists.
Ever since Article 370 and 35A were abrogated on August 5, 2019, there has been a remarkable change in the public mood and behaviour.
Large number of civilians now join the national celebrations on these days and take keen interest in the various cultural programmes performed by local artists at all district headquarters.
The overwhelming response to the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign by the locals stood out to prove that nobody now fears holding and carrying the National Flag to display patriotism in the Valley.
Terrorism has not been completely wiped out from J&K, but the lack of fear of terrorists and the defiance of their diktats by the common man is enough to prove that for the average Kashmiri, terrorism was a bad nightmare that is finally over.
–IANS
sq/rad
