Sopore witnesses massive rally, reflects change on ground
Suhail Khan
SOPORE, Aug 11: Who would have thought the Abrogation of Article 370 would change the scenario in just three years, not only in terms of the development but also the secessionist mindset of people in Kashmir.
To corroborate this argument, one such example was witnessed in Sopore on Thursday. A place known as stronghold of separatists and hotbed of militancy witnessed people celebrating ‘Jhelum Mein Lehrayega Tiranga’ campaign as part of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahostav’ programme launched by the government of India ahead August 15.
The rally in Sopore witnessed huge participation of students from various schools in order to encourage people to hoist the National Flag atop their homes and mark the 75th year of India’s Independence.
This is for the first time in the history of Sopore that the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign was celebrated so widely in a place like Soporein district Baramulla.
The unique nature of the boat rally was that the campaign was led by many fishermen from Ningli Bala and Ningli ghat.
A fisherman who was part of the rally told Kashmir Despatch: “Jhelum is home to the fishermen community of Kashmir and that is why we are celebrating the Tiranga campaign in this river.”
Around 25 boats rowed from Ningli Ghat towards Chankan Bridge with the National flag in their hands and they turned Jhelum into a Tricolour while students waved the National flag and welcomed the fishermen at Hatishah bridge.
Fishermen promoted ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign uniquely while holding the National flag in their respective boats in Jhelum.
“The Tiranga boat rally is a message to the local youth to shun terrorism and be part of the nation-building process and promote awareness about the Indian National Flag,” said Ghulam Rasool, a fisherman, while talking to Kashmir Despatch.
He said that the campaign is an unparalleled salute to Tricolour and people’s right to display it. The villagers participated in the campaign enthusiastically and took a pledge to celebrate ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’s campaign.
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
