Kathua, August 15, 2026: The 80th Independence Day was celebrated with great patriotic fervour and enthusiasm at the District Sports Stadium, Kathua, where a grand full-dress parade was organised amid tight security arrangements.

On the occasion, Hon’ble Minister Shri Satish Sharma, who was the Chief Guest, along with Deputy Commissioner Kathua Shri Rajesh Sharma, JKAS, and SSP Kathua Ms. Mohita Sharma, IPS, unfurled the National Flag and took the salute from the impressive march-past presented by various participating contingents.

The parade was commanded by DySP PC Kathua Ms. Pushpa Devi, JKPS, assisted by PSI Shubham Singh as the Second Parade Commander. Contingents from DPL Kathua, IRP 19th Battalion, PTS Kathua, PTS Brass Band, Forest Protection Force, Home Guards, NCC Senior and Junior Division cadets, Government Boys Higher Secondary School Kathua, Government Girls Higher Secondary School Kathua, and students from other educational institutions participated in the celebrations.

The ceremony was witnessed by senior officers of the Police and Civil Administration, including SSP Kathua Ms. Mohita Sharma, IPS; CO IRP 19th Battalion; Principal PTS Kathua Ms. Manjit Kour, JKPS; SP Operations Kathua Shri Brijesh Sharma, JKPS; Additional SP Kathua Shri Sunil Kesar, JKPS; DySP Headquarters Kathua Shri Ravinder Singh; DySP DAR Kathua Shri Bhagwan Dass; and SHO Police Station Kathua Inspector Ashish Sharma, besides other gazetted and non-gazetted officers.

A large gathering of civil society members, retired personnel, parents, students and children also attended the celebrations, adding to the patriotic spirit of the occasion.

The event concluded with the distribution of prizes among the top three parade contingents and other participants. Appreciation certificates were also presented by the Police and Civil Administration to individuals in recognition of their commendable performance, dedication and hard work.

The celebrations reflected the spirit of patriotism, unity and national pride, with the people of Kathua joining together to mark the historic 80th Independence Day of India.