Srinagar, Jan 26, KNT: Amid a spontaneous complete shut, the 72nd R-Day functions were held across Kashmir Valley.
Unprecedented security arrangements had been in place to conduct these functions smoothly. The R-Day functions culminated peacefully across Valley,” said an official to KNT.
The main function in Kashmir was held at Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium located in Sonwar Srinagar. The Lieutenant Governor’s Advisor Baseer Khan presided over the function and took the salute at the march past after unfurling the tri-color.
Contingents of combined forces took part in the parade after Khan was given the guard of honour.
All roads leading to the stadium were sealed while check-points at many places were created to check the movement of pedestrians and vehicles. “Though the function was held at Sonwar but vehicles coming from Raj Bagh towards LD Hospital were stopped at a barricade created by police at Lal Mandi. The police officer guarding that barricade even prohibited those from proceedings towards LD Hospital road who were carrying security passes.”
“I showed my security pass to the police officer sitting in a vehicle. He alighted from the vehicle and ordered me to get back,” a Journalist told KNT adding that he had forgotten to carry security pass for his vehicle and preferred to drive on LD Route instead of Abdullah Bridge to reach his office at Press Enclave.
“At Abdullah Bridge the policemen guarding barricade were demanding vehicle pass,” the senior Journalist said.
A multi-layer cordon had been laid around the stadium to ensure smooth conduct of Republic Day.
Various wings of police and school children participated in the parade. The students presented a colourful program.
In his address Baseer Khan congratulated the police and security personnel for their supreme sacrifices. He said the year 2020 has been a year of unprecedented change in Jammu and Kashmir. Through a continuous process of change, the roots of progress have been planted in the new Jammu and Kashmir.
Top officials presided over the functions at other district headquarters including Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam, Shopian, Ganderbal, Budgam, Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora.
Meanwhile, amid internet shutdown, all the shops, business establishments remained shut and transport also remained off the roads. (KNT)
