Srinagar, Jan 26: The 72nd Republic Day (RD) was on Tuesday celebrated across the Kashmir valley, including summer capital, Srinagar despite sub zero temperature amidst unprecedented security arrangements.
The celebrations were peaceful with no report of any untoward incident in the valley, officials said. However, mobile internet of all Cellular companies, including Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) was suspended for some time as a precautionary measure.
The RD functions were held at District and tehsil headquarters, where Deputy Commissioners and local officers hoisted the national flag and took salute at the march past.
The main function was held at S K Cricket Stadium, in high security Sonawar area, where advisor to Lt Governor Baseer Ahmad Khan unfurled the national flag and too salute at the march past.
Contingents of Central Paramilitary Forces (CPMF), Police, Fire and Emergency Service (FES), Home Guards, SDRF and other agencies took part in the march-past. A number of cultural programmes were also presented on the occasion. A group of martial Arts players also performed on the occasion.
Meanwhile, all roads leading to stadium were closed for any traffic and pedestrian movement. Security forces were seen searching the areas around the stadium with the help of sniffer dogs and metal detectors. Sharp shooters were deployed in and around the stadium to foil any attempt by militants to cause any disturbance during the celebrations. Security forces had closed main roads leading to stadium.
The Residency road from Amira Kadal bridge, including historic Lal Chowk, the nerve centre of the city was closed for any civilian traffic movement. However, pedestrians were allowed only after checking their identity cards and frisking.
The Moulana Azad road was however, open for traffic and pedestrian movement though large number of security forces remained deployed on both sides of the road.
Meanwhile, shop and business establishments remained closed and traffic was off the roads though there was no strike from any organization.