Srinagar:An uneasy calm prevailed Friday even as authorities in Jammu and Kashmir lifted curfew here to enable people participate in the Independence Day celebrations, while tight security was in place to prevent any untoward incidents.

"We have lifted curfew in Srinagar so that people can participate in the Independence Day celebrations," a top official told IANS.

"We don't want to leave anything to chance," said the official, adding that police, paramilitary and army personnel have been deployed in strength around the Bakshi Stadium, the venue for the Independence Day celebrations here.

The high-security venue has been sealed off and sharpshooters have taken positions atop government buildings and residential houses around the stadium.

Leaders of the separatist Hurriyat Conference have urged the people to stay away from the official Independence Day function.

"A social boycott would be imposed on the people who attend the function," a Hurriyat Conference spokesman said.

More than 40 people have died in two months of furious protests in the Muslim-dominated Kashmir valley and Hindu-majority Jammu region following a row over the transfer of land to the Amarnath shrine board.

 

Source : IANS