For the first time, tricolour was hoisted on top of clock tower in Srinagar's ancient Lal Chowk

The Indian Tricolour was unfurled for the first time in history atop the Clock Tower in Srinagar's iconic Lal Chowk area to commemorate the country's 73rd Republic Day. The national flag has been unfurled on top of Ghanta Ghar for the first time since India's independence (Clock Tower).

Locals, NGO's, and the administration performed a flag hoisting event at the Lal Chowk area to commemorate India's 73rd Republic Day celebrations. A crane transported two local activists, Sajid Yousuf Shah and Sahil Bashir, to the top of the clock tower, where they unfurled the flag.

''Since Independence, we have only seen Pakistani flags hoisted here and those were Pakistani sponsored elements who wanted to disrupt the peace in the Valley. Since the abrogation of article 370, we can see a lot of changes on the ground. The people were asking what Naya Kashmir means? Today hoisting the national flag on top of the clock tower is what Naya Kashmir stands for. This is what the people of Jammu and Kashmir want. We don't want any Pakistani flags, we want peace and development.'' said Sahil Bashir, activist after unfurling the flag.

 The Lal Chowk clock tower has traditionally played a significant role in Kashmiri politics. All of the country's major leaders, as well as those from Jammu and Kashmir, have attempted but failed to hoist a national flag on top of the clock tower in the past.

"Since the Independence of India, this was the only place which did not have the National flag. I decided to do this, and we have done it. A lot of people tried it earlier, but we were the only ones successful. As an Indian we have unfurled the flag here and it's given us happiness '' said Sajid Yousuf, another activist.

On this occasion, a martial arts competition was held, and students from several districts were invited to observe the flag's unfurling. Security has been increased throughout the Kashmir Valley, particularly in Srinagar. Barricades were erected throughout the area, and vehicles were only permitted to enter after being inspected. This morning, the mobile Internet was also turned off.