SRINAGAR, Aug 15: Life in Kashmir valley remains paralysed on the 65th anniversary of Indian independence due to a shutdown called by separatist leaders.
Shops and businesses are closed and traffic and thousands of police and paramilitary personnel in riot gear patrolled deserted streets in major towns of the Valley, witnesses said.
Among other security measures, cellular networks were jammed to prevent any attack by militants who have, in the past, used cell phones to trigger explosions in the conflict-ridden valley.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah took the salute at a march past by police and paramilitary soldiers at the heavily guarded Bakshi stadium in capital Srinagar, a main function which mostly government officials and police officers attended.
Separatists had appealed to people to stay indoors and mark the occasion as a “black day”.
