Chandigarh: Punjab and Chandigarh celebrated the country’s 80th Independence Day on Saturday with flag-hoisting ceremonies and events across the region. However, two separate incidents were reported during the celebrations.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann unfurled the Tricolour in Firozpur and said his government would not allow anyone to disturb Punjab’s communal harmony.
In Chandigarh, Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria hoisted the national flag at the Parade Ground in Sector 17. During his address, two NCC women cadets reportedly fainted due to the heat. They were immediately taken to hospital for treatment.
Ceiling collapses at Patiala sports institute
An incident was also reported at the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports in Patiala, where a section of the false ceiling in the wrestling hall fell during the Independence Day programme.
Two athletes present at the venue sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.
Schools to get holiday on August 17
Following the Independence Day celebrations, a holiday has reportedly been announced for August 17 in schools across Chandigarh, Mohali, Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur.
The celebrations also saw Vande Mataram being sung at a government programme for the first time, according to the report.
At the Wagah border in Amritsar, BSF personnel celebrated the occasion by exchanging sweets with one another.
