NC celebrates 80th Independence Day with patriotism and unity

• Gupta hoisted the National Flag and calls for strengthening amity and pluralistic ethos

JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference celebrated the 80th Independence Day with great enthusiasm, patriotic fervour and a spirit of unity at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan, Jammu. On the occasion, Rattan Lal Gupta, Provincial President, J&K National Conference, hoisted the National Flag in the presence of Ajay Kumar Sadhotra former minister and Additional General Secretary, Arjun Singh Raju Hon’ble MLA Ramban, Ch. Khursheed Ahmed Hon’ble MLA Mahore, Sheikh Bashir Ahmad Provincial Secretary Jammu, Babu Rampal former minister and Central Zone President, Bimla Luthra former MLA, Vijay Lochan Chairman SC Cell, Abdul Gani Teli Chairman OBC Cell, Rakesh Singh Raka Vice President Central Zone  and other party functionaries and workers.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ajay Kumar Sadhotra greeted the people on Independence Day and paid rich tributes to the great leaders and freedom fighters whose sacrifices and struggles secured India's freedom.

Addressing the gathering, Rattan Lal Gupta extended warm greetings to the people on the auspicious occasion and called upon everyone to work towards strengthening the bonds of amity, peace and tranquillity that have long been the hallmark of Jammu and Kashmir's glorious pluralistic ethos. He stressed the need to preserve and promote the country's secular ethos, stating that “unity in diversity is the biggest strength of the nation.”

Mr. Gupta said that the J&K National Conference remains firmly committed to the principles of “Jamhooriyat” (democracy), secularism and socialism, which constitute the guiding principles of the party's vision for an inclusive and equitable society.He reiterated that the party would continue to work for safeguarding the land and employment rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and for ensuring their aspirations and interests remain protected.

Mr. Gupta highlighted the immense contributions and sacrifices of the great leaders who fought for India's independence after a long and arduous struggle. He paid tribute to freedom fighters including Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Chandrashekhar Azad and Subhas Chandra Bose, among countless others, for their supreme sacrifices in the struggle against British rule and their contribution towards the betterment of the nation and its people.

“As we celebrate our nation's independence, the J&K National Conference stands firm in its commitment to fight for the aspirations and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The party pledges to continue working towards a more prosperous, united and harmonious India,” Mr. Gupta said. Later, Mr. Gupta hoisted the Tricolour at Indira Chowk, Jammu, at a programme organised by Jammu Urban District President Chander Mohan Sharma.
The celebrations concluded with renewed pledges to uphold the unity, integrity, secular fabric and democratic values of the nation.

Among others who were present  on this Occasion : Qazi Jalal Ud Din former MLA, Dr. Chaman Lal Bhagat former MLA, Mohd Iqbal Bhat former MLC, Rajni Devi Working President Women Wing Jammu,Harshvardhan President NCSU, Dr. Mumtaz Bukhari Vice President Jammu Province, Pardeep Bali, Ayub Malik Provincial Secretaries Jammu, Vikram Puri Chairman Trade and Industry, Laxmi Datta Senior leader, Chander Mohan Sharma District President Jammu Urban, Subash Bhagat District President Jammu Rural “A”, Naresh Bittu District President Jammu Rural “B”, Rita Gupta Vice President Central Zone, S. Gurnam Singh District Secretary Jammu Urban, Shama Akthar, Ashok Dogra former Corporators, Sahil Kerni District President Jammu Urban YNC, Ashwani Charak Block President East, Bhadur Lal Block President Bahu, Sukdev Singh Block President Bhalwal, Sumita Bhan, Attal Singh, Surinder Singh Jamwal,  Shabir Sambyal, Karan Singh, Sewak Singh, Jagga Ram, Rahul Attri and other party functionaries were also present.