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India's Republic Day Passes Peacefully in Kashmir

By Fayaz Wani

Srinagar, Jan 26: Amidst the tightest security ever, January 26 (Republic Day of India) passed off peacefully in Kashmir on Saturday.

To mark the day, troops had virtually taken over the area around Bakshi Stadium, where the main function was held, to prevent any militant strikes. These areas were sanitized by the troops a week earlier and later sharp shooters and commandos were deployed in the top floors of several buildings to provide aerial cover to the troops, who were patrolling the area.

Commandos with sophisticated weapons were also deployed at a women's maternity hospital and Children hospital and these sharp shooters remained on high alert since their deployment. The sharp-shooters were also deployed at major government, military and para-military installations. Radio Kashmir Srinagar and Doordarshan Kendra Srinagar were also provided with commandos to thwart any militant strikes on these vital government installations.

On Saturday morning, it was virtually un undeclared curfew in the areas in close vicinity of Bakshi Stadium. All roads leading to Bakshi Stadium were being blocked by troops as they had put up numerous barricades. Additional troops were deployed near Bakshi Stadium on Thursday evening and they set up nakas at different places. Only force personnel were seen from Friday evening to Saturday afternoon in the areas around Bakshi Stadium.

People in the area had been instructed by officials not to venture out of their homes till the function was completed. The residents obliged and like other Valleyites remained in their houses.

The security arrangements were not only intensified in the areas adjacent to Bakshi Stadium, but the security apparatus was beefed up in all parts of Valley. The strength of troops at sensitive places was increased and police, para-military and military personnel were patrolling the deserted streets.

However, after 12 noon, the security arrangements were relaxed and people were allowed to move from one place to another.

Fayaz Wani reports on life in Srinagar, Kashmir.