Ananatnag, August 15 (KNS): Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo friday hoisted the National Flag at Shaheed Himayun Muzammil Memorial Government Degree College Boys Anantnag to mark the 79th Independence Day celebrations.

On the occasion, the Minister inspected the parade and took salute from contingents of various wings of J&K Police, CRPF, NCC Cadets and school children.

In her address, the Minister said that this freedom is a precious gift earned with great difficulty and countless sacrifices by elders and forefathers. She paid rich tributes to great martyrs, freedom fighters and fallen soldiers, urging people to value their freedom and work together for the country’s progress.

Remembering the contribution of Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah in uniting the people of J&K, she said he contributed immensely in health, education and agriculture sectors.

Highlighting the achievements of the Omar Abdullah-led government in the last nine months, she said that public trust and sense of security have been restored. She mentioned significant upgradation of public infrastructure, especially in health facilities, including dialysis units, advanced equipment, MRI machines, Cath Labs and Digital X-ray labs across J&K.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

She said accountability has been strengthened in governance and people can now directly question government institutions. She reiterated that statehood restoration is not a favour but a genuine right of the people of J&K, adding that the Union Home Minister has already assured its return in Parliament.

The Minister also highlighted other initiatives including increased social welfare pensions, enhanced marriage assistance, free bus travel for women, increased ration supply, and launch of youth-centric schemes under Mission YUVA.

On the occasion, she expressed solidarity with families of Kishtwar cloudburst victims and paid homage to fallen soldiers and policemen.

The event was attended by DDC Chairman Anantnag M.Y. Gorsi, MLAs Peerzada Mohammad Syed, Altaf Ahmad Wani, Dr. Bashir Ahmad Shah Veeri, Reyaz Ahmad Khan, Zaffar Ali Khatana, DIG South Kashmir Range Javid Iqbal Mattoo, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Syeed Fakhrudin Hamid, SSP Amritpal Singh, senior officers, DDC members, students and a large gathering of locals. (KNS)