Shops remained open for the first time since 1990s
Suhail Khan
SRINAGAR, Jan 26: As a sign of Naya Kashmir, markets in parts of Kashmir remained open for the first time since the 1990s on the occasion of Republic Day.
According to reports, “for the first time since 1990, shops in Lal Chowk Srinagar remained open with no Hurriyat, no curfew, and no strike call on the day when the entire country celebrated the 74th Republic Day.”
Locals said that they feel proud to be part of the celebration of Republic Day, and with the faith in their hearts and country’s independence in their thoughts they salute the nation. “We are proud Indians; it’s our country, and we will be part of each and every celebration of it,” many people observed while talking to this reporter.
It is pertinent to mention here that the BJP unfurled the tricolour on the clock tower at historical Lal Chowk in Srinagar, marking the occasion of the 74th Republic Day.
“Before the abrogation of Article 370, previous regimes never permitted unfurling of the tricolour here, citing law and order issues,’ a local in Lal Chowk told this reporter.
This is the second year that the national flag has been hoisted at the iconic location. For the first time in history, the Indian tricolour was unfurled atop the Clock Tower in Srinagar’s famous Lal Chowk area to mark the country’s 73rd Republic Day in 2022.
Meanwhile, the main Republic Day function in the valley was held at the Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium at Sonawar. The advisor to Lieutenant Governor Rajesh Rai Bhatnagar was the chief guest and presided over the function.
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
