KISHTWAR: In a deeply emotional and patriotic ceremony held on the occasion of Shaheedi Diwas, the 70 ft long National Flag was unveiled today at Hidyal Chowk, Kishtwar.The event witnessed an overwhelming participation of people from every section of societyincluding school students, prominent citizens, youth and local residents from different parts of Kishtwar district. The atmosphere at Hidyal Chowk resonated with patriotic fervour as people gathered to pay tribute to the victims of terrorism and honour the sacrifices made for the nation.
In a deeply emotional moment, the National Flag was hoisted by members of martyr families whose loved ones were killed in targeted killings, massacres and terrorist attacks carried out in the region over the past decades. The ceremony served as a tribute to those innocent victims who laid down their lives while upholding the spirit of nationalism and unity.
Addressing the gathering, MLA Kishtwar Shagun Parihar stated that the Tricolour unveiled at Hidyal Chowk has been dedicated to all those brave souls who sacrificed their lives for the nation and to the families who endured the pain of terrorism with courage and dignity.
She said that Shaheedi Diwas is not merely a day of remembrance, but a symbol of collective resolve against terrorism and divisive forces. Referring to the painful history of the region, she stated that May 10 carries deep emotional significance for the people of Kishtwar, as the first targeted killing in the area took place in 1993 with the murder of Satish Bhandari Ji, after which several innocent civilians became victims of terrorism and communal violence.
She further said that terrorists attempted to spread fear by targeting innocent people, carrying out selective killings and attacking families on the basis of identity and belief, but the people of the region never allowed the spirit of nationalism to bow before terror.
Speaking emotionally during the programme, MLA Shagun Parihar said thatāBeing a daughter of a martyr family, I can deeply understand the pain carried by those families who lost their loved ones to terrorism. This pain cannot be expressed in words, but the courage and sacrifices of such families will forever remain a source of inspiration for society and the nationā.
While paying rich tributes to the victims of terrorism, she stated that the Tricolour standing tall at Hidyal Chowk represents the victory of patriotism, courage and national unity over fear and terrorism. He said that no anti-national force can ever weaken the unity and integrity of India and that the National Flag will continue to inspire generations with the message of sacrifice and nationalism.
Tricolour unveiling takes place in thepresence of Leader of Opposition in Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly Sunil Sharma, Social Activist Dr. Vikrant Ji, Sanatan Dharm Sabha Members Roshan Lal Sen, Arvind Parihar, DGPC President Sardar Attar Singh, Minority Morcha District President Mansoor Matoo, District President BJP Kishtwar Ravi Pariharand various prominent citizens.


