SRINAGAR: Life in Kashmir valley remains paralysed on the country’s 64th Republic Day due to a shutdown called by separatist leaders who appealed to people to mark the occasion as a ‘black day’.
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 are jammed to prevent any attack by militants who have, in the past, used cell phones to trigger explosions in the conflict-ridden valley.
Many officials participated in a flag-hoisting function held at the heavily guarded Bakshi stadium in summer capital Srinagar.
The main function, however, was held in winter capital, Jammu where the Governor hoisted the flag and took the salute at a march past.
