<span style="color: #222222;">Governor Satya Pal Malik hoisted the national tricolour at the Sher-e-Kashmir stadium Srinagar  in the first Independence Day celebration in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of its special status. After unfurling the flag, Malik inspected the parade of para-military forces and Jammu and Kashmir Police. Later addressing the gathering, Malik said the changes brought out by the Union Government are not just historic but have opened a new vista of development for the people of Jammu & Kashmir and the people of Ladakh.   <br />''<br />''Saying that Kashmir is not complete without Kashmiri Pandits, Governor  said   that his  administration is committed to the safe return and rehabilitation of the Kashmir Pandits in the Valley.   Governor Malik said the process for establishment of the second tier of the Panchayats has been initiated for which the elections to the Block Development Councils shall be held very soon. He urged all elected Panches and Sarpanches to come forth and participate whole heartedly in these elections. </span><br />