Independence Day celebrations marking the 80th anniversary were held with great fervour across the country. However, an interesting incident from Jammu and Kashmir has come to light. The parents of most-wanted Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist commander Abid Ranjan Sheikh hoisted the national flag at their home in Shopian.
According to security forces, Abid Ranjan Sheikh is currently carrying out terror activities from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. He is alleged to have been involved in several attacks on non-local labourers in the Valley. The sight of both his mother and father hoisting the tricolour at the home of such a terror commander has become a talking point.
In the past, at the 2021 Independence Day celebrations, Muzaffar Wani, the father of slain Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, had also unfurled the tricolour. Muzaffar Wani, who works as a government teacher, hoisted the flag and sang the national anthem at the school where he is employed.
Meanwhile, Independence Day celebrations concluded peacefully across Jammu and Kashmir. In his address, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah made it clear that his government remains committed to restoring the state’s statehood and constitutional rights that were revoked in August 2019. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha unfurled the national flag at Raj Bhavan, calling on all citizens to unite and work together for the welfare of every section of society, especially the poor.