In the Kashmir Valley, Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha hoisted the Tricolour on the occasion of 77th Independence Day celebrations at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar. Mr. Sinha inspected the parade and took a salute at an impressive march past of the contingents comprising of J&K Police, Security forces, school students, besides Brass & Pipe bands of J&K Police and the BSF. He also paid tributes to the freedom fighters and brave hearts of police, army and CAPFs. 

Addressing the gathering, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said that this year, 1.27 crore tourists including foreigners have visited Jammu and Kashmir. He said the successful G-20 Summit held in Srinagar this year has helped to give J&K a global push and the participants of 27 countries in the G-20 Tourism Working Group have left with a positive message.

He said the overwhelming participation of citizens in the G-20 Summit, Shri Amarnathji Yatra and Muhuram procession this year after three decades, testify the beginning of a new era of peace and tranquillity for Jammu and Kashmir. Mr. Sinha said Jammu and Kashmir is emerging as a role model in the country for digital governance with a focus on transparency, accountability and a citizen-centric approach to deliver public services. The Lieutenant Governor said the talented youth of Jammu and Kashmir are excelling at national and international levels.

He maintained that in order to provide facilities to the talented sports persons, 702 infrastructure projects relating to sports facilities have been completed and indoor sports halls are being constructed in all the districts of Jammu and Kashmir. Mr. Sinha added that his Administration is trying to see a smile on the face of every citizen of Jammu and Kashmir and said that his Administration is committed to make Jammu and Kashmir of "peace, prosperity and development all around".