Srinagar: A general strike and a minor explosion near the venue of the main function
marked the Republic Day celebrations held amidst unprecedented security in Kashmir
valley on January 26.
An explosion at an isolated place in posh Wazirbagh locality adjacent to the Bakshi
stadium, the venue of the main function, at 11:05 hours (IST) was suspected to be
triggered by militants by hurling of a grenade, police said.
The blast occurred when the function was in progress, but it failed to have any
impact, official sources said.
Finance Minister Muzaffar Hussain Beigh took salute at main function, which was
attended by a large number of civilians transported to the venue in special buses by
the coalition government led by People's Democratic Party.
National Conference president Omar Abdullah, several ministers and senior Army,
police and intelligence officers were also present.
This was for the first time that several thousand civilians witnessed the function
since the eruption of militancy in the state over a decade ago. However, the
security forces did not allow any civilian movement in the areas around the stadium
as part of the security arrangements.
Meanwhile, normal life was disrupted in Srinagar and other major towns of the valley
for the second successive day in response to a call given by the Hurriyat Conference
and supported by almost all other separatist and militant outfits.
The streets wore a deserted look as people preferred to remain indoors in response
to the strike call. Only security vehicles were seen patrolling the roads.
PTI
