Srinagar, Aug. 15 -- Srinagar- Jammu and Kashmir celebrated the 80th Independence Day on Saturday with patriotic fervour, enthusiasm and widespread public participation, with the Tricolour unfurled across the Valley at official functions marked by ceremonial parades, cultural programmes and tableaux showcasing the region's heritage and development.

The main function was held at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, where Chief Minister Omar Abdullah hoisted the National Flag and took the salute at an impressive ceremonial parade. He inspected contingents of the J&K Police, security forces and school students, while a helicopter showered flower petals over the stadium amid applause from the gathering.

Former Chief Ministers Farooq Abdullah and Meh...