Jammu, October 24
In a renewed fervour of nationalism in Jammu, thanks to the “controversial” statement made by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on the state’s accession to India, residents of Jammu are all set to make a big statement in favour of India on October 26.

For the first time since Independence, the Instrument of Accession anniversary on October 26 when Maharaj Hari Singh decided to accede to India, the city will be decked up for functions to be held by various organisations to assert the state being an integral part of the country.

Earlier, some organisations were holding isolated functions to mark the day or organising debates and conferences. But this time, all major political and social organisations have announced big plans, including illuminating markets, roads and bursting crackers.

Spokespersons of various organisations say as Lal Chowk in Srinagar is often used as a platform against India, the historic Mubarak Mandi Complex, will be the rallying point of celebrations in Jammu.

The Duggar Vikas Manch, with which several organisations like the Brahmin Sabha and others have joined hands, will make a 64-kg ladoo to mark the beginning of the 64th year of the state’s accession.

Dineshwar Singh Jamwal of the Manch said there would be a children’s walk and hoisting of the National Flag at 8 am in the Mubarak Mandi Complex. The children would walk through the old city carrying placards and posters showing the state being an integral part of India.

In the evening, they would illuminate the complex with 64 large candles.

The Panun Kashmir, one of the organisations of displaced Kashmiri Pandits, had set the ball rolling by announcing that it would distribute sweets and celebrate the day as Diwali. The BJP has already announced the hoisting of the Tricolour at all chowks of Jammu on October 26. On that day, from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm, there will be a firework display on all chowks and sweets will be distributed.

The Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) has decided to celebrate the day by organising a public meeting in Jammu, where all nationalist and political parties will be invited.

The JKNPP chairman said they had appealed to all political parties, social organisations, NGOs and educational institutions to hold victory rallies with the Tricolour.

The Jammu Kashmir People’s Forum (JKPF) has appealed to the residents to observe October 26 in a festive mood. It urged the state government to announce a state holiday on the day.

The forum also appealed to the people of the entire country to celebrate the day in a befitting manner to dispel any confusion, whatsoever, regarding the full and final integration of the state to India.