As India celebrated its 60th Independence Day on Wednesday, separatists in Kashmir observed a shut down, terming the event a Black Day.
Srinagar/Wagah Border (Punjab), Aug 15 : As India celebrated its 60th Independence Day on Wednesday, separatists in Kashmir observed a shut down, terming the event a "Black Day".
In Srinagar, shops and businesses remained closed, while roads wore a deserted look.
Residents termed the shutdown a regular feature on national days, a time to be feared the most.
"Due to militancy in the region, regular strikes take place. Every year on January 26 and August 15 fear grips the people here. There are so many groups, who are involved in this, but you cannot name any one," said Syed Altaf, a resident.
The national flag was unfurled at Bakshi Stadium in the city with security personnel swarming the place to prevent any untoward incident.
Troops patrolled city roads and frisked pedestrians. Sharpshooters were placed on high-rise buildings, overlooking the Stadium and its adjoining areas.
"This day is a matter of great pride not only for the nation, but also for every Indian. We greet everyone on the occasion and celebrate the day with a lot of assurance and enthusiasm," said S.K.Singh, Inspector General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
At the Wagah Border, a candle light vigil and cultural programmes marked Independence Day celebrations.
The candlelight vigil has been a regular feature at the border for over 15 years."This is the season of love and friendship. Time has come when everything should go towards friendship, rather than towards terrorism and war," said Imtiaz Alam, a Pakistani resident.
At the stroke of midnight Tuesday, when the world slept, dozens of peace activists lit candles at the joint border check post and greeted each other from across the border.
ANI