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R-Day celebrated in J&K amidst tight security

Tight security marked the Republic Day functions in various parts of Jammu and Kashmir even as militants made an attempt to disrupt the function at Baramulla in north Kashmir on Friday morning.

The Kashmir Valley was gripped by tension following heightened security and militant threats and the separatist All Parties Hurriyat Conference's strike call only added to the anxiety.

Apart from paramilitary forces, no one was seen on the streets of Srinagar. A curfew-like situation prevailed in the city centre where members of the Border Security Force hoisted a flag on the clock tower.

Senior officials were personally supervising the security arrangements. Troops had taken positions on high rise buildings and houses around the Bakshi stadium, where the main function was to be held, for the past four days.

Shops, business establishments remained closed and traffic was completely off the roads. Inter-district transport services were also suspended.

State Works Minister Ali Mohammad Sagar unfurled the national flag and took the salute in Srinagar's deserted Bakshi stadium. The function was attended by senior officials of the state administration, police and security forces.

Addressing security forces and police jawans, Sagar said, "Jammu and Kashmir acceded to secular and democratic India rejecting theocratic Pakistan. The stand taken by the people of the state under the leadership of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah in 1947 has been vindicated time and again."

He said, "India flourished under a democratic set up while Pakistan suffered military dictatorship every now and then. Pakistan's elected prime ministers live in exile to save their lives."

Sagar said the Hurriyat leaders were 'misleading people in the name of religion and spreading canards and hatred'. He said, "No religion preaches violence and killing of innocents and those indulging in such acts were the real enemies of the people for whose cause they claim to be fighting."

Since late Thursday, hundreds of army and paramilitary forces had laid a siege around Bakshi stadium. Commandos were deployed inside for extra-security. All roads leading to the stadium were blocked by parking trucks, buses and other vehicles. Security personnel were enforcing strict security measures.

Reports from other major towns said the R-Day functions were held under tight security. However, life was crippled in the entire valley in view of the strike.

Shops, business establishments remained closed in Baramulla, Anantnag, Kupwara, Pulwama and Budgam districts.

Police said militants fired six rifle grenades at Baramulla town. While three exploded in the town, two landed in an army camp near the district police lines where the R-Day function was being held.

The explosions triggered panic leading to partial disruption of the function, which however resumed later. Two army men, sources in Srinagar said, were wounded in the explosions.

COMPLETE COVERAGE
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