Ehsan Fazili   

Governor NN Vohra on Wednesday appealed to the leaders of all political parties and other organisations to ponder over what had been gained from the endless turmoil in the state.

He was addressing the main Independence Day function at the Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium organised under tight security arrangements here on Wednesday.

A complete shutdown was observed across Kashmir on the call of the separatists. All roads leading to the venue were sealed. The Internet and mobile telephony services also remained suspended till noon as part of the security measures.

The Governor reiterated his appeal to the leaders of all parties in the state, and to all those at the helm of various social, cultural, religious and other influential organisations, to ponder seriously over what exactly had been gained from the endless turmoil, the continuing human and economic losses, and the suffering of people in the past several decades.

On the imposition of Governor’s rule, Vohra said during the past about two months, his administration had taken steps to organise elections to panchayats and municipalities. “The necessary amendments to the existing laws have already been made and speedy action is underway to gear up the administrative and logistical arrangements for the elections”, he said.

The Governor said the elections to the urban local bodies were scheduled to take place in September and October while the panchayat polls would be held in phases from October-December this year.

He said the first priority was to ensure maintenance of public order and to see that the entire administrative apparatus functioned with speed and efficiency. "Among the many problems facing us, there is a huge requirement of funds for securing the completion of scores of projects all over the state, some of which have been lingering for 10-15 years," he said.

Governor NN Vohra hoisted the Tricolour at the state-level function on the occasion of Independence Day at the Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium in Srinagar on Wednesday. Functions were also organised at different district headquarters across Kashmir on Wednesday.

The Governor inspected the parade and took the salute at an impressive march-past which was commanded by SSP Benam Tosh, Commanding Officer, 17 IR Battalion. The participating contingents were from the Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, J&K Police, JKAP, Himachal Pradesh Police, ITBP, SSB, State Disaster Response Force, J&K Fire and Emergency Services, J&K Forest Protection Force, NCC and schools.

A programme based on national integration and glorious composite heritage of the state was presented on the occasion. An impressive display of martial arts was also organised.

Courtesy: Tribune: Aug 17, 2018