Srinagar 15 Aug: India on 15th August 2021 is celebrating its 75th Independence Day. Something special was also witnessed, in Machhal, a remote village, in the border district of Kupwara, North Kashmir.
In a statement issued to news gathering agency Kashmir News Bureau, The village witnessed unfurling of one of the biggest and tallest national flags, in entire Kashmir, by troops and locals of Machhal. Standing 100 feet above the ground, with dimensions of 56 and 30 feet, this flag is one of the largest which was unfurled closest to the Line of Control. Apart from this, national flags were also unfurled in other villages of Machhal bowl, along with schools and government buildings.
It was heartening to witness such an event, in a remote village like Machhal which, which, a few years ago, nobody could’ve thought of. Hundreds of locals, including youths, participated wholeheartedly in the events. The event started with the ceremonial salute by the Army personals, stationed at Machhal. These gallant soldiers were accompanied by the local NCC cadets who proudly wore their uniforms and exhibited excellent state of pride and discipline by carrying out a march past. Homage was also payed to the bravehearts, who had made the supreme sacrifice for the nation. School children, young boys and girls and even the aged from the nearby villages, were present for the occasion. The unfurling of the flag was followed by a cultural event organized by the local school children, where they presented patriotic songs and dances.
The initiative and the participation of locals in events like these speaks volumes about the changing times in Kashmir.