Bakshi hoisted tri-colour for first time in 1953

Tahir syeed Srinagar, Aug 14: It was in 1953 when for the first time, tri-colour was hoisted in Kashmir Valley by then Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Bakshi Ghulam Muhammad. This was disclosed by Ghulam Mohiudin Sofi, former political secretary of late Moulana Muhammad Sayeed Masoodi. Masoodi was the first Member Parliament from Kashmir. Sofi, who was trusted lieutenant of Masoodi told Greater Kashmir on Tuesday that prior to 1953 late Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah used to hoist state flag on August 15. “First time Bakshi Ghulam Muhammad hoisted the Indian tri-colour at Residency ground, now known as Municipal park,” he said. Sofi said that before 1953 not much importance was given to August 15, but after Bakshi took over, this day turned into an important day. “In 1953 Bakshi hoisted tri-colour and state flag but the state flag was on foot below the tri-colour,” Sofi said. He said Bakshi kept on hoisting two flags on August 15 till he was in power. “The trend of hoisting only tri-colour became a regular feature after Ghulam Muhammad Sadiq took over from Bakshi as Chief Minister of the state,” Sofi said. According to the historians in earlier days, the functions were held only in Srinagar and Jammu. (15 Aug 2008 Ensglish Daily Greater Kashmir)