Editorial | I-Day Celebrations in Kashmir

In consonance with the nationwide celebrations, Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir marked the august occasion of 77^th Independence Day with much fervor and gaiety. With the main function held at Bakshi Stadium in summer capital Srinagar, reports nevertheless poured from every nuke and cranny of UT about warm celebrations by people cutting across ages, genders and professions. Bakshi Stadium wearing a festive look was at cynosure with people queuing since early morning in a bid to make it to the venue to get a glimpse of performances by the school going children and local artists. The performances of the children and artists came up to the expectations of the audience – who were seen clapping for each performer. The iconic Clock Tower in Lal Chowk also saw locals and non-locals coming together with flags to celebrate the eve – the enthralling scenes, emerging after a lull of almost three decades, left the onlookers bemused. The district headquarters evenly saw rush of people beelining to make it to venues’ to imbue themselves in the colors of Independence Day celebrations. It seldom has happened that I-Day in Kashmir is being celebrated without any shutdown call, restriction on public movement or at least any internet ban and this I-Day has set a strong precedent that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have done away with their archaic mindset and so has the administration. The winds of change have been blowing thick and fast and things are improving with passage of each day. Hope the things improve more and instil a confidence among the local populace to tap its feet with the rest of the compatriots.