Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah used his Independence Day address to reiterate his administration's commitment to restoring the region's statehood and constitutional guarantees.
Abdullah stated that the current situation across the Line of Control (LoC) vindicates the decision made by Kashmiri leaders 80 years ago to remain with India.
Security was significantly tightened across the Union Territory, particularly around the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, to prevent any untoward incidents during the national celebrations.