Rajouri, Poonch witnessing people’s participation
Shariq Majeed
Tribune News Service

Rajouri, August 14
With normalcy returning to the state, people of the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch have started participating in Independence Day functions in a big way over the years.

During the peak of militancy, people fearing attacks preferred to stay indoor on the day.Residents of the area said during the time they used to think twice before participating in the Independence Day function due to the threat of militants.

We wish to participate in the function in Rajouri, but since the authorities block the roads to the town a day before Independence Day, we cannot travel to that place. Blocking the roads also causes sufferings to the people who have to travel to the town in case of an emergency. We request the authorities not to impose restrictions and instead frisk people to prevent the entry of any anti-national elements. — Residents

They further said even the participation of children was symbolic with just a few participating. They added that in the changed security scenario, even the children were enthusiastic about participating in the function.

“Before militancy, people in large numbers used to turn up to witness the function and children would present colourful programmes. After the advent of militancy, people fearing militant attacks did not venture out and even a majority of the children did not participate. But things have changed for the better now as people in large numbers as well as children have been turning up for the function for the past some years,” said Barkat Singh Azad, retired district education planning officer and resident of Poonch, whose granddaughter, Prabsimran Kour, and grandson, Prabkeerat Singh, studying in junior classes in Christ School, Poonch, will sing a patriotic song in this year’s function.

“I have decided to take my family along to see the performance of my grandchildren. It is a special occasion for me and my family,” Azad said. “It feels great that I will be participating in the function. I am enthusiastic about it and am looking forward to sing in front of my family members and my friends. It’s a great honour,” said Prabsimran.

Tazeem Dar, a social activist and resident of Rajouri, said: “During militancy, only a few people, a majority of whom were from government departments, would turn up to see the function. But during the last few years, the number of people coming to witness the function is increasing every year. I am also planning to cancel all my assignments on the day and would attend the function at the police line grounds here,”.

Vibodh Gupta, a citizen of Rajouri and senior BJP leader, said: “People of the twin border districts are nationalists to the core and have always thwarted the evil designs of militants. That is why militancy never thrived in this part of the state”.

“They are exhibiting nationalism by coming in large numbers to witness the function. Besides attending the function, which is held in the police line grounds here, we also hoist the National Flag in the old city and distribute sweets”.

A senior police officer said: “Security forces have managed to bring in a sense of security among the people that is why they are participating in large numbers”.