Jammu celebrates Accession Day?

From Khajuria S Kant in Jammu?

For the second time since Independence, the Instrument of Accession anniversary on October 26 when Maharaja Hari Singh decided to accede to India, several functions to assert the state being an integral part of the country were held in different parts of the State to celebrate the ‘Accession Day’ like a grand festival, by people of different hues with zeal and enthusiasm, thanks to the “controversial” statement made by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on the state’s accession to India last year.

Earlier, some organisations were holding isolated functions to mark the day or organising debates and conferences.

Bar Association of Jammu organised an impressive function in the lawns of High Court Complex, which was attended by members of the Bar in large number. The highlight of the function was a splendid flag hoisting ceremony to mark the Accession of J&K with Dominion of India on October 26, 1947 by the then Maharaja Hari Singh.

Bar president BS Slathia called upon the Bar members to create an awareness amongst the masses to make them realise the significance of the day of accession in the history of the State. He quoted section 3 of the Constitution of J&K, which envisages that the State is and will continue to be an integral part of India. He added that anybody who debates the accession of J&K is contradicting the Constitution of Jammu & Kashmir.

Bar vice president MU Slaria stressed that people of the State owing to their allegiance to the Constitution of India and that of J&K have to respect the accession of the State with Dominion of India and will have to uphold the sanctity and the national character of the J&K State.

BJP’s National Executive Member Dr Jitender Singh refuted “Accession not Merger” theory at the Accession Day celebrations organised by Sanjeevani Sharda Kendra in Jammu. Dr Jitender Singh was the chief guest on the occasion and eminent poet and historian PN Madup presided over the function.?