A 100-feet high national flag was installed by the Indian Army on Thursday in the mountainous Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir.
It was the second such high-mast flag hoisted by the Army in the Chenab Valley region, which was once a militancy hotbed before it was completely cleared a decade ago.
In July last year, a 100-feet tall national flag was put up in the nearby Kishtwar town.
Major General Ajay Kumar, General Officer Commanding, Army’s Delta Force, raised the flag aloft at the Doda Sports Stadium along with Brigadier Sameer K Palande, Commander Rashtriya Rifles, Sector 9, Doda Deputy Commissioner Special Paul Mahajan and Senior Superintendent of Police Abdul Qayoom. ,
Major General Kumar honored the next of kin of the soldiers who died in the service of the nation and also honored the members of the civil society who have contributed significantly in nation building.
“The hoisted flag is a tribute to the innumerable soldiers of the Chenab Valley region, who have made the supreme sacrifice protecting the unity and integrity of the nation,” the GOC said.
He said that the first of its kind 100 feet high national flag at Doda was a proud moment not only for the army but also for all the residents of the hill district.
Major General Kumar said, “The national flag, which can be seen from a distance, will make every citizen feel proud for the country.”
Situated amidst the beautiful and healing hills of Doda, this flag adds to the charm of the place.
“The feeling of the iconic national flag that stands tall and beautiful cannot be expressed in words, but surely it is filling every citizen of India with pride. It certainly instils a sense of belongingness to the country.” Will go a long way in doing that.” residents of Doda, especially the younger generation,” Mahajan said.
Local people, especially students and ‘veer naris’ (war widows), who had gathered in large numbers to witness the event, expressed their gratitude to the army.
His wife Chinta Devi said, “By inviting us to this event, the army has made me feel proud of my martyr husband’s achievements. This is the beauty of our army that they never forget the sacrifices of the soldiers and their families.” Naib Subedar Chunni Lal, the most decorated soldier in the history of the Indian Army.
Naib Subedar Lal, who was awarded Ashok Chakra (posthumously), Vir Chakra and Sena Medal, fights a group of terrorists trying to infiltrate through the Line of Control (LoC) in Kupwara district of North Kashmir. Sacrificed himself in the service of the country. on June 24, 2007.
Simran Sharma (14), a student from Doda, said she was fortunate to be a part of this historic moment.
“I am also grateful to the army for letting me perform on this historic occasion. This feeling of pride will stay with me for the rest of my life,” said the girl, who was part of the troupe that performed at the event.
Tahir Farooq, a student of Government Degree College, Doda, said that he is proud of the installation of the jumbo flag as it reminds of the times when the national flag was not seen anywhere due to terrorism.
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