Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Aug 15: Arun Harani came all the way from Gujarat to celebrate Independence Day in the heart of Jammu and Kashmir’s capital city – Srinagar.
Talking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Arun said, “It’s my second visit to Kashmir. I came last year as well, and I was painted in the tricolour that time too. I received a lot of love from the people back then, and I am feeling happy and at home here today.”
There is a new vibe in the air, and the clock tower has been beautified to its best, he said, adding, “I visited here last night and came to the clock tower again this morning. I’m observing a lot of peace and change in Jammu and Kashmir as compared to the past.”
Harani, hailing from Gujarat’s capital, Ahmedabad, said he is a cricket fan and visits the stadium in his hometown with his body painted in the tricolour to support the Indian team.
“I watch every India match and support them at the ground. I also have a permanent ‘INDIA’ tattoo on my forehead and a permanent tattoo of the army and Indian tanks on my back,” he added.
Arun said celebrating Independence Day in Kashmir was already on his mind. “I just wanted to celebrate this day here; I wanted to meet people here again. Last year, I visited and felt amazing. I just love being here,” he said.
“It’s my second visit to Kashmir. I came last year as well, and I was painted in the tricolour that time too,” Arun Harani told KNO.
“I received a lot of love from the people here and I am feeling happy and at home,” he said, adding that there is a new vibe in the air, and the clock tower has been beautified to its best.
A local, wishing not to be named, said on the occasion, “This is the new Kashmir where our brothers, sisters, mothers and other family members desire peace and prosperity. We must work in unity and follow the slogan of one nation. People who are dividing us in the name of politics should refrain from such things, and we should follow and support Modi Ji as he is our Prime Minister.”
A lady from Assam who had come to Kashmir for the first time said the people here are loving and helpful. We were told not to go to Kashmir, but we still came here and we feel at peace. “We would like to request everyone to come and enjoy here,” she said—(KNO)