J&K Govt, BJP Plans Mega Events In Srinagar
Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has made all necessary arrangements to mobilize a massive crowd of over 15,000 people to celebrate the third anniversary of the abrogation of erstwhile state’s special status at the inauguration ceremony of the recently renovated Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar.
As per sources privy to the development, the event will be presided over by J&K Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, who will also inaugurate the stadium on the morning of 5 August. “Besides youth and sportspersons, top officials of civil administration and police will also participate in the event,” sources told Kashmir Observer.
Notably, in March, the authorities said that restoration work of Bakshi Stadium was in its final stages and an International stadium at par with FIFA standard will be ready for the sports enthusiasts who are eagerly waiting for its inauguration.
The restoration of the Bakshi stadium started in 2016 after it was damaged in the floods of 2014. National Projects Construction Corporation Limited (NPCC) and the Government of India were jointly getting the stadium restored with a whopping cost of 50 crores.
Sources said that following New Delhi’s directions, the UT Government is looking at all possibilities to make Srinagar city wear a “festive look” on August 5. “J&K Administration is all set to host a show in Dal Lake and an event at Ghanta Ghar[clock Tower], to show how peaceful Kashmir has turned post-2019,”sources said.
If sources are to be believed then a Union Minister is also expected to arrive in Kashmir on August 5.
Besides this, Noida based media group
ITV Network has also sought permission from J&K Police to organize a televised conclave from Lal Chowk in Srinagar to mark the third anniversary of abrogation of special status.
As per a letter, a copy of which lies with Kashmir Observer, forwarded to ADGP Kashmir Zone, Vijay Kumar, ITV Network’s Group Head in North, Rana Dhillion has sought permission “to hold a televised conclave from Lal Chowk in Srinagar”.
“The event will feature important voices via video-link including Jitendra Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister, Dilbag Singh DGP J&K. SP Vaid, Former DGP J&K, Gen JJ Singh former Army chief and others. These above will be joining via video-link remotely, there will be other guests including our national anchors from India News who will be moderating live debates from the podium.
The theme of the event is ‘Sabse Pehle Desh’ and will include conversations on business, entrepreneurship, development, growth and politics. The event will mark the 3rd Anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 on Aug 5,” reads the letter.
Sources within BJP confirmed to Kashmir Observer that the party is also organizing individual events in each and every district of J&K to “mark the biggest day in the history of Kashmir”.
“August 5 is no less than a festival for people of Kashmir. And BJP will be organizing events across J&K on August 5 to mark the peace brought to the valley after abrogation of Article 370,” a senior JK BJP politician told Kashmir Observer.