Students present a traditional dance at a function held in Gilgit on Monday to celebrate the 74th Independence Day of Gilgit-Baltistan. — APP

       GILGIT: The 74th Independence Day of Gilgit-Baltistan was celebrated with traditional zeal and fervour on Monday.

       The people of GB celebrate their Independence Day on Nov 1 as the Gilgit Scouts had liberated their homeland from the Dogra Raj on this day in 1947.

       Processions, rallies and special programmes were held in all the 10 districts of the region.

       The main function was held at the Chinar Bagh in Gilgit, where Chief Minister Khalid Khurshid Khan was the chief guest.

       Speaking on the occasion, Mr Khurshid said today was the day for them to pay homage to their martyrs and conquerors.

       “On this special day our heroes liberated this part of the land from the Dogra rule without any outside help. Today we must pledge to remember the sacrifices of our forefathers,” he added.

       The ceremony was also attended by GB Governor Raja Jalal Hussain Maqpoon, force commander, chief secretary, civil and military officers and relatives of martyrs and Ghazis.

       Earlier, Governor Raja Maqpoon, the chief minister, force commander and chief secretary laid floral wreaths at the Yadgar-i-Shuhada and offered prayers for the departed souls.

       Published in Dawn, November 2nd, 2021