79th Independence Day Celebrations :  Javed Rana unfurls National Flag at Poonch

Poonch, Aug 15: Marking the 79th Independence Day of the nation, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, hoisted the National Flag at the Sports Stadium Poonch during a magnificent ceremony that radiated patriotic fervour across the district.According to a statement issued here, the Minister inspected the ceremonial parade and took the salute, upholding the rich traditions and spirit of the national celebration.In his address, Javed Ahmed Rana began by expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives caused by the recent cloudbursts in Kishtwar district. He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and assured that the Government is making all-out efforts to conduct swift rescue operations and provide comprehensive assistance to the injured and displaced.Paying homage to the indomitable spirit and supreme sacrifices of the freedom fighters, the Minister urged everyone to reaffirm their collective commitment to the ideals they valiantly championed.He lauded Poonch’s illustrious legacy of courage and resilience, noting that the district continues to embody the spirit of unity and fortitude in the shared endeavour to build a stronger, more inclusive and equitable India.Rana emphasized the pivotal role played by the people of Poonch in safeguarding national unity and enriching India’s democratic ethos. He reiterated the commitment of the Omar Abdullah-led Government to environmental sustainability, the holistic development of tribal communities and ensuring water security through robust initiatives under the Jal Shakti Mission.Meanwhile, Javed Rana held an interactive session with the prominent intellectuals, former civil servants and members of civil society in Poonch today.The session witnessed vibrant and insightful discussions on educational infrastructure, healthcare services and overall developmental gaps in the district.Emphasis was laid on the urgent need for systemic reforms and administrative intervention to uplift the standard of living, particularly in remote and underdeveloped areas.Civil society representatives suggested a series of strategic interventions aimed at building a more empathetic, inclusive and morally responsible society, rooted in ethical values. They stressed the importance of community engagement, youth empowerment and value-based education to strengthen the district’s social fabric.Importantly, the civil society members also urged the Minister to take effective steps for preservation and promotion of local culture, heritage and indigenous tribal languages, recognizing them as vital elements of the region’s identity and diversity. They further requested him for bringing tangible improvements in the sectors of health, education and infrastructure.A key highlight of the interaction was the discussion around the untapped tourism potential of Poonch, with stakeholders strongly advocating for vigorous promotion of sustainable tourism. They underlined the strategic importance of completing critical infrastructure projects, especially the Mughal Road tunnel and the Loran-Tangmarg Road, which are vital to improving year-round connectivity with the Kashmir Valley.Responding to the concerns, Javed Ahmed Rana assured the attendees of his full commitment towards the holistic development of Poonch.