Tight security arrangements mark Independence Day in NW

Chandigarh, Aug 15 (UNI) The 60th Independence Day was celebrated amid tight security arrangements throughout North West India.

The states of Punjab and Haryana showcased their rich cultural heritage and tradition at the numerious colourful functions held across the two states and the Union Territory of Chandigarh. On this occasion the people remembered the martyrs who had laid down their lives to uphold the unity and integrity of the nation.

In Punjab, the state level function was held at Patiala where Chief Minister Amarinder Singh unfurled the tri-colour at the Yadavindra Stadium and inspected a guard of honour presented by the state police.

The flag hoisting was followed by march pasts by various contigents of the Police, Home Guards, NCC, Students, Scouts and Guides. College and school children presented a colourful cultural programme to provide an insight into the cultural heritage of the border state. Dare devil riders of the Punjab Armed Police (PAP) exhibited their breath-taking skills on motorcycles.

In Haryana, the state level function was held at Gurgaon where Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda unfurled the National Flag and took the salute at the marchpast by contingents of the state police and NCC cadets and school children.

A cultural programme exhibiting the traditional folk and village culture of Haryana was presented on the occasion. Various departments of the state government showcased the path of progress and development made by the state in various fields.

In the Union Territory of Chandigarh, Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gen (retd) S F Rodrigues unfurled the National Flag and took the salute at the marchpast by contingents of the Chandigarh police and the NCC. School children presented patriotic songs and later a colourful cultural programme.

In his address, Gen Rodrigues recalled the freedom struggle and the sacrifices of our freedom fighters. He paid rich tributes to the martyrs of the freedom struggle and to those who had laid down their lives to defend the countries borders.

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