Srinagar, Aug 15, 2025 : Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday became the first elected head of government in eight years to unfurl the national flag at Jammu & Kashmir’s main Independence Day function in Srinagar’s Bakshi Stadium.
The last elected CM to preside over the ceremony was PDP president Mehbooba Mufti in 2017. After the PDP–BJP coalition collapsed in June 2018, the state came under Governor’s rule, followed by the reading down of Article 370 and reorganisation of J&K into two Union Territories in 2019.
From 2018 to 2024, the ceremonial flag hoisting was performed by Governors and Lieutenant Governors. Following last year’s assembly polls, Abdullah returned as the first CM of the UT, reviving the tradition.
At the event, Abdullah inspected the parade and took the salute as contingents from J&K Police, CAPFs, and school children marched past. His cabinet colleagues led Independence Day celebrations across other districts, including Jammu.
This year, the cultural programme was cancelled as a mark of respect to those who lost their lives in the Kishtwar flash floods on Thursday.
