“Whenever attempts have been made in the past to erode the state’s special status, the Supreme Court has dismissed such applications.I am confident the same fate will meet the present attempts to challenge our special position in the union of India,” she said while addressing the Independence Day function at the Bakshi Stadium here.
The Peoples Democratic Party leader thanked former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, whom she had met recently, to work out a joint strategy to defend article 35A of the Constitution which has been challenged in the apex court.
“Farooq Sahib gave me love and advice like a father. I must express my gratitude to him,” she said, referring to their meeting.
She said the battles for power would not come in the way of mainstream parties in Kashmir when it comes to defending the special status of the state.
The Chief Minister unfurled the national flag and took salute at an impressive march past at the stadium in the heart of the city.
Police, paramilitary forces and school children took part in the march. For the first time, a contingent of Uttar Pradesh Police also participated.
Cultural programmes and stunts by daredevil motorcycle riders of Jammu and Kashmir Police were key attractions.
Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, ministers, judges of the High Court and senior civil and police officers attended the function.
A three-tier security with multiple access control systems including closed circuit cameras and electronic surveillance equipment was put up to protect VVIPs and other participants at the Bakshi Stadium.
Mobile phone connectivity was suspended in the Kashmir Valley on Tuesday morning as part of the security drill.
Separatists have used mobile phone-triggered explosions in the past to disrupt official functions on January 26 and August 15.
The separatists called for a protest shutdown in the Kashmir Valley on Tuesday.