Kupwara, August 15: 76th Independence Day* was celebrated with great fervour, gaiety & enthusiasm at *District Police Lines Kupwara.*

Officials of Police, Army, CAPF, Home Guard and Students of various Educational Institutions participated in Independence Day parade which was presided over by parade commander DySP Aijaz Ahmad- JKPS.

DDC chairperson *Irfan Sultan Panditpuri* unfurled the national flag. He was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Kupwara *Khalid Jehangir -JKAS* and SSP Kupwara *Yougal Manhas -JKPS*

The Chief Guest also inspected the parade and took salute on March Past presented by the contingents of *JKP, IRP, CRPF, Forest Protection Force,Home Guards and Students of various Educational institutions .*

ASP Kupwara *Pradeep Singh-JKPS* CO's of JKAP, Army, CRPF, Medical Superintendent DH Kupwara, Executive Engineers of PHE, PDD, I&FC, R&B Division Kupwara, DDCs, BDCs, Panchs and Sarpanches of District Kupwara and other respectable citizens of District Kupwara, Officers of Police and Civil administration were also present on the occassion.

Chief guest (Irfan Sultan Panditpuri) and SSP Kupwara in their address congratulated the participants for celebrating 76th Independence Day.The martyrs of Police and CAPF who sacrificed their lives for nation were paid rich tribute.

At the end, the prize Distribution and felicitation ceremony was held. The dignitaries present on the stage distributed prizes and mementos among the best contingents of parade and other participants.

Besides prizes and appreciation certificates from Police and Civil administration were also given to the Police Personnel and other civil employees for their appreciable performance and hard work.