SRINAGAR: 66th Republic Day on Monday was observed in Kashmir valley with customary strike with people staying indoors fearing government curbs and militant strikes. The strike left roads empty and markets deserted. However no untoward incident was reported from anywhere, a police spokesman said in the evening.
For the first time, as part of the security measure, mobile phone and Internet services were not snapped by the authorities, a norm since 2005.
The main function of Republic Day parade was held in the capital Srinagar. It was for the first time since 1996 that a civilian administrator, and not a minister of the state government, presided over the Republic Day function at Bakshi Stadium.
Here Divisional Commissioner Atul Kansal took salute at the parade.
Elsewhere in the Valley, Deputy Commissioners of respective districts presided over the the functions.
Hard-line separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani and other separatist organizations had called for a strike urging people to observe the day as “black day”. The call was supported by all separatist leaders with United Jehad Council chief Syed Salahuddin also endorsing the strike.
Shops and business establishments in the civil lines and other major districts remained closed and traffic was off the roads.
In Srinagar groups of youth spent the sunny day by playing cricket on traffic free roads and play fields, like Eidgah and Polo Ground.
Reports of complete shutdown were also received from Baramulla, Kupwara, Budgam, Ganderbal, Bandipore, Pulwama, Shopian, Anantnag and Budgam districts in the valley.
Sharp shooters, wielding automatic weapons, were deployed in and around the stadium. All roads leading to the stadium were closed for traffic.
Police and paramilitary troops were deployed on both sides of the roads after every five feet to thwart any militant attack.
Officials were being frisked and their invitation and identity cards checked before allowing them to proceed towards the stadium. Road blocks were erected to prevent any vehicle, except those having car pass, to enter the stadium area.
Sharp shooters were also positioned at high rise buildings and were keeping a watch on streets with the help of binoculars. Surveillance cameras were also installed within the radius of 2 kilometres around Bakhshi Stadium.
The Republic Day parades passed off peacefully and no untoward incident was reported from any part of Kashmir Valley, said a police official.
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