Srinagar, Aug 15: The 74th Independence Day (ID) was on Saturday celebrated under unprecedented security arrangements in the Kashmir valley, including summer capital, Srinagar, where Lt Governor Manoj Sinha unfurled the national flag.
Sinha arrived by road from Raj Bhavan to S K Cricket Stadium in high security Sonawar area, where he was presented a guard of honour.
After unfurling the national flag Sinha addressed the people. However, very less number of people were present, wearing masks and keeping physical distance as per Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
However, for the first time there was no march past due to COVID-19 though all contingents were present.
Cultural programme were presented by three groups, singing in Kashmiri, Dogri and other languages.
Interestingly, during full dress rehearsal contingents of Central Paramilitary Forces (CPMF), police, Armed police, Fire and Emergency and Home Guards participated on march past on August 13, when Deputy Commissioner, Kashmir, hoist the national flag.
School students were also missing this time. However, due to COVID-19 pandemic, students who cannot participate in parade and cultural events, however, participated through digital platforms on August 15.
Very less number of media persons were also issued security and other passes to enter the heavily guarded stadium due to COVID-19.
Reports of ID celebrations were also received from other major towns and tehsil headquarters in the Kashmir valley.
The former LG G C Murmu before his resignation had announced that there will be no At Home party on August 15 due to COVID-19.