Jammu celebrates state’s accession with India

JAMMU - Celebrations marking the 63rd anniversary of Jammu and Kashmirs accession with India continued in Jammu for the second consecutive day Wednesday.

The main function Wednesday was organised by the Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) at the Mubarak Mandi complex of Jammu, the erstwhile seat of government during Dogra rule.

Hundreds of people from various walks of life attended the function where the national anthem was sung and a statue of Mahatma Gandhi was garlanded.

JKNPP chairman Bhim Singh said this was a historic occasion and the accession of the state with India was as important and valuable for the people of the state as was Aug 15 - the Independence Day of India - for the entire country, including this state.

We are proud of being Indians. We became part of India 63 years ago and this is an occasion that all should be celebrating every year, Bhim Singh said.

Jammu has been celebrating the accession of Jammu and Kashmir with India since Tuesday. People illuminated their homes and business establishments Tuesday night and burst crackers. Celebratory dances were also organised.

However, the two ruling alliance parties - the National Conference and the Congress - stayed away from the celebrations.

The last Dogra king of the state Maharaja Hari Singh signed the instrument of accession Oct 26, 1947, and Indian troops landed in the state a day later to push back Pakistani Army and tribal raiders.