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Rediff.com  » News » IN PIX: India celebrates 65 years of independence
This article was first published 13 years ago

IN PIX: India celebrates 65 years of independence

Last updated on: August 15, 2011 21:49 IST

Image: A crowd uses umbrellas to avoid the rain while walking under India's national flags, which were raised during Independence Day ceremonies at the historic Red Fort in Delhi
Photographs: B Mathur/Reuters Mukhtar Ahmad in Srinagar

Independence Day functions in Srinagar were held under tight security across Kashmir Valley where a complete shutdown crippled normal life on Monday. Independence Day function was held at the heavily guarded Bakshi stadium with a three-tier security blanket thrown around it.

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IN PIX: India celebrates 65 years of independence

Image: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah unfurls the tricolour in Srinagar
Photographs: Rediff Photo / Umar Ganie

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, unfurled the tricolour and took salute at an impressive march past by smartly dressed contingents of Jammu and Kashmir police, paramilitary, central reserve police force, Border Security Force and school children.

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IN PIX: India celebrates 65 years of independence

Image: Police personnel march during India's Independence Day celebrations in Srinagar
Photographs: Rediff Photo / Umar Ganie

In a historic departure, contingents of school children were missing from the cultural pageantry that follows the parade. A senior police officer said the step was taken as a mark of respect for the holy month of Ramadan.

The chief minister said that 'resolution of issues can only be ensured through talks in a peaceful and amicable atmosphere'.

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IN PIX: India celebrates 65 years of independence

Image: Police personnel participate in India's Independence Day celebrations in Srinagar
Photographs: Rediff Photos: Umar Ganie

He said 'gun has never been answer to any problem neither would it solve any issue in future'.

"We have to work for sustained dialogue to resolve internal and external political issues politically", he said expressing the hope that interlocutors would soon present their report to the centre for further action.

A tight three tier security cordon had been laid by authorities to secure the stadium from any militant attacks days ahead of main function.

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IN PIX: India celebrates 65 years of independence

Image: Paramilitary sharpshooters on rooftops keep a strict vigil in Srinagar
Photographs: Rediff Photos: Umar Ganie

Paramilitary sharpshooters had taken position on roof tops of buildings over-looking the stadium. Hi-tech electronic jamming equipment also formed part of the security inside the stadium.

The mobile phones across the Valley were jammed as a measure of high security.

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IN PIX: India celebrates 65 years of independence

Image: Paramilitary forcers guard the streets of Srinagar
Photographs: Rediff Photos: Umar Ganie

A complete shutdown was observed as usual across Kashmir Valley on Monday called by both groups of the separatist All Parties Hurriyat Conference.

Shops were closed and pedestrian and vehicular traffic remained completely off the roads.

There was heavy presence of police and paramilitary, central reserve police force on the streets in capital Srinagar. The security forces had blocked all roads leading to the stadium.

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IN PIX: India celebrates 65 years of independence


Photographs: Ajay Verma/Reuters

A school girl, with her face painted in the colours of India's national flag, takes part in a cultural program to celebrate India's Independence Day in Chandigarh.  

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IN PIX: India celebrates 65 years of independence


Photographs: Ajay Verma/Reuters

School children take part in a cultural program to celebrate India's independence day in Chandigarh.