Jammu/Kishtwar, May 10: In a deeply emotional and patriotic ceremony held on the occasion of Shaheedi Diwas, a 70-foot-long National Flag was unveiled today at Faridia Chowk, popularly known among locals as Hidyal Chowk, in Kishtwar town.
The event witnessed overwhelming participation from people belonging to different sections of society, including school students, youth, prominent citizens and local residents from various parts of the district. The entire atmosphere at the historic chowk resonated with patriotic fervour as people assembled to pay homage to victims of terrorism and honour the sacrifices made for the nation.
In an emotional moment during the programme, the Tricolour 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 several decades. The ceremony was dedicated to innocent civilians who lost their lives while upholding the spirit of nationalism, unity and communal harmony.
Addressing the gathering, MLA Kishtwar Shagun Parihar said that the National Flag installed at Hidyal Chowk stands as a tribute 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 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, after which several innocent civilians became victims of terrorism and communal violence.
She further stated that terrorists attempted to spread fear by targeting innocent civilians, 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, Shagun Parihar said, “Being a daughter of a martyr family, I can deeply understand the pain carried by 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 nation.”
Paying rich tributes to terror victims, she said the Tricolour standing tall at Hidyal Chowk symbolises the victory of patriotism, courage and national unity over fear and terrorism. She added that no anti-national force can weaken the unity and integrity of India and that the National Flag would continue inspiring generations with the message of sacrifice and nationalism.
The Tricolour unveiling ceremony was attended by Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Sunil Sharma, social activist Dr. Vikrant, members of Sanatan Dharam Sabha including Roshan Lal Sen and Arvind Parihar, DGPC President Sardar Attar Singh, Minority Morcha District President Mansoor Matoo, BJP District President Ravi Parihar and several other prominent citizens.
