Sarpanches should hoist national flag on I-Day: Satya Pal Malik

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik has asked all the deputy commissioners to direct sarpanches to hoist the national flag in their respective panchayats on Independence Day. Officials said, the governor was apprised of the full dress rehearsal for Independence Day that has been done in every district of the state and that necessary arrangements have been put in place for smooth conduct of the Independence Day celebrations. In a meeting held at Raj Bhavan yesterday evening, Mr Malik reviewed the situation regarding security, law and order and basic and essential services in the state. Advisors to the governor K Vijay Kumar, K K Sharma, K Skandan, Farooq Khan, and Chief Secretary BVR Subrahmanyam participated in the meeting.

The governor was also informed that availability of medical



facilities are being ensured, healthcare services are being provided to the people without any hindrance. 13,500 patients have been given treatment in OPDs, 1,400 new admissions have been done, and 600 medical procedures performed.

State government spokesperson Rohit Kansal said there is no report of any significant incident during the last 24 hours. He said local authorities are closely monitoring the situation and restrictions are being eased in many areas on the basis of their assessment. Mr Kansal said that there is no dearth of facilities at hospitals and that other public utilities, including national highways, airports, power, water are functioning normally. He said, every possible effort is being made to ease the restrictions in the Valley.