J-K: Former Militant Saifullah Farooq hoists National flag at Lal Chowk in Srinagar

Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], August 15 (ANI): Former Militant Saifullah Farooq on Tuesday hoisted the national flag at Lal Chowk in Srinagar on the occasion of 77th Independence Day celebrations. 
While speaking to ANI, Saifullah Farooq said," I was a former terrorist, today I am hoisting the National flag at Lal Chowk. I want to say to other terrorists that the upcoming times are beautiful in Jammu and Kashmir. I want to appeal to those terrorists hiding in jungles that you should stop right now and take steps for the security of the nation. Earlier I used to feel that I was a hero but today I felt like a real hero."

He further stated that active militants and those spreading terrorism from across the borders should stop.     
"I just want to say to those militants who are active in the region and those from Pakistan to stop spreading unrest in Jammu and Kashmir. This is not India of 1965 or 1975, this is India of 2023," he said. 
Several other people also flocked to Lal Chowk to take part in the Independence Day Celebrations in the heart of Srinagar. This marked a clear departure from the earlier years when Srinagar would shut down during Independence Day. 
Earlier in the day Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence day address from the red fort put forward his vision of a new and more assertive India. During his 10th independence day address the Prime Minister said the India of today was full of self-confidence.
"When we set our mind to a task, we get it done. This has been our track record. This is a new India full of self-confidence...Ye Bharat na rukta hai, na thakta hai, na haanfta hai aur na hi haarta hai (The India of today doesn't stop, tire, gasp or give up)," PM Modi said. 
He said the character of India will serve as the biggest catalyst in her quest to become a developed country by 2047, which would mark the completion of 100 years of independence). (ANI)