Handwara, August 15:The 76th Independence Day was celebrated with great fervour, gaiety & lots of patriotic enthusiasm at *District Police Lines Handwara.*

Police, CRPF, SSB and other contingents participated in the Independence Day parade.

Chairman - Municipal Committee Handwara *Shri Masroor Banday* was the Chief Guest at the occasion. The Chief Guest, accompanied by SP Handwara - Sheema Nabi Qasba (IPS), unfurled the National Flag and took salute at the march past at DPL Handwara.

Contingents of *JKP, IRP, SSB, CRPF, Home Guards, NCC and schoolchildren* participated in the parade.

DDC Rajwar - Shri Mohd Sulieman , DDC Qalamabad Shri Khurshid Ahmad, ADC Handwara - Shri Nazir Ahmad and ASP Handwara - Irshad Hussain-JKPS were also present, along with officers from the Army, SSB, CRPF, Medical Superintendent DH Handwara, Executive Engineers of PHE, PDD, R&B Division Handwara, respectable citizens of PD Handwara and other officials of police and civil administration.

The Chief Guest in his address congratulated the participants for celebrating the 76th Independence Day, also appreciated the role of police in maintaining law and stability in the PD. He also highlighted the development work done in the region during the year. The martyrs of Police, Army and CAPFs, who sacrificed their lives for nation, were paid rich tribute.

A colourful cultural programme was presented by the students of various schools of Handwara and martial art performances were also displayed by the students.

At the conclusion of the event, prizes were distributed among the top three parade contingents and other participants.

Appreciation certificates from Police and Civil administration were also distributed among Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel and other Government employees for their appreciable performance and hard work.