Srinagar, [Date] — Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has announced the cancellation of several Independence Day functions following the devastating cloudburst in Kishtwar that claimed multiple lives and caused extensive damage.
Posting on social media platform X, the Chief Minister wrote:
“In light of the tragedy caused by the cloud burst in Kishtwar I have taken the decision to cancel the ‘At Home’ tea party tomorrow evening. We have also decided not to go ahead with the cultural events during the morning Independence Day celebrations. The formal events – speech, march past etc – will go ahead as planned.”
The “At Home” tea party, a traditional Independence Day gathering, was scheduled for tomorrow evening. Cultural performances planned for the morning celebrations have also been scrapped as a mark of respect for the victims.
Despite the scaled-back programme, official proceedings — including the CM’s speech, the ceremonial march past, and other formal elements — will be held as scheduled.
The cloudburst in Kishtwar earlier this week has left several dead, displaced many families, and caused large-scale destruction to property and infrastructure, prompting the government to take sombre measures during the national celebrations.
