Suhail Khan
Baramulla, August 14 ; Following the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, a fresh wave of national pride has swept through the union territory. The ‘Tiranga’ rally, part of the government’s ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign, is encouraging people to bring the flag home and hoist it to mark India’s Independence.
The latest development was seen today in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district, where a “Tiranga Rally” gained momentum with a single 2.5 km-long flag being carried by participants.
Eye witnesses told Kashmir Despatch that thousands of people participated in this massive rally, setting a record in Rafiabad area of Baramulla with a 2.5 km long single flag. People from all walks of life, including students, enthusiastically joined in this mega tiranga rally.
Previously inhibited by concerns of reprisal from anti-national organizations, the youth of Kashmir are now experiencing a liberated environment. They openly hoist national flags atop their homes, markets, and during various functions. The singing of the national anthem has become a common practice in schools and events, free from fear or coercion.
Javeed Ahmad a civil officer told Kashmir Despatch that this newfound enthusiasm is particularly evident in school-going students who proudly sing the national anthem during these rallies.
He said the transformation is striking, as national flags now adorn every market, house top, school, college, and office in Jammu and Kashmir. This signifies a collective embrace of national pride and unity.
Ghulam Nabi another government employee told Kashmir Despatch that the shift signifies a departure from a past marked by inhibition and fear, with the people of Kashmir now openly expressing their patriotism through the visible display of national symbols.
Mohammad Afzal, a prayer leader, told Kashmir Despatch that hoisting the national flag and singing the national anthem in Kashmir is now done with love and dignity.
He said that although it may have been something that people were not initially accepting, now everyone wholeheartedly embraces this change and appreciates the playing of the national anthem.
Afzal mentioned that the hosting of flags or carrying national flags, as well as the playing of the national anthem, is now a common occurrence at evey place across the Union Territory, whether it be schools, colleges, or even private functions.
He further expressed that people are now showing respect to the national anthem, which is a positive sign and a complete demonstration of respect.
Pertinently, Tiranga rallies were taken out in several districts of the union territory today also.
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
