J & K celebrations under security blanket

BY Shujaat Bukhari

JAMMU, JAN.26.Amid unprecedented security arrangements and apprehensions of major strikes by militants, particularly Fidayeen, the Republic Day celebrations passed off peacefully across Jammu and Kashmir today. There was only one incident of firing of a few rifle grenades in Baramulla, in which two policemen were injured.

The celebrations in the Kashmir valley were low key, confined to parades and unfurling of the national flag in Srinagar and five rural district headquarters under a security blanket.

In Srinagar, which had been almost under siege for the last three days, the main function was held at the Bakhshi Stadium where the Public Works Minister, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar, took the salute and made a speech to an empty venue.

With the entire civil line area dotted with security forces, the parade was held under the tightest-ever security. Only a few civil and police officers were present. The stadium had a three- tier security with the Army responsible for outer protection, the BSF for middle circle security and CRPF and the J & K Police for the inner circle. No civilian movement was seen on Srinagar streets, which were deserted not only because of the over-due presence of army and para-military forces but also because of a strike called by the All-Party Hurriyat Conference.

Shops and business establishments were closed for the day and a curfew like situation prevailed in the City as well as other major towns.

Mr. Sagar said the National Conference Government was supporting the peace initiative and the party would not be hesitant in making sacrifices for strengthening the process. He held Delhi responsible for the present turmoil in the State.

The State Ministers, Mr. Chowdary Mohammad Ramzan, Mr. Abdur Rahim Rather, Mr.P.L. Handoo, Mr. Peerzada Ghulam Ahmed Shah and Mr. Abdul Qayoom, took the salute at the parades at Kupwara, Budgam, Baramulla, Anantnag and Pulwama respectively.

At Baramulla, where the militants fired rifle grenades in different directions, two exploded in the market and two landed near a military checkpost.

In Jammu, the main State function was held at the Moulana Azad Memorial Stadium where the Governor, Mr.G.C. Saxena, took the salute. He said Pakistan was engaged in triggering communal riots and weakening the socio-economic structure of the State.

He welcomed the extension of ceasefire by the Prime Minister, Mr.A.B.Vajpayee, and said the militants had not so far responded positively. ``We are wedded to secularism, socialism and democracy and should pledge today to further strengthen these values''.

Farooq's warning

The Chief Minister, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, said the Government's attitude would harden in case militants stepped up their strikes against the people.

``The more they strike, the more harder will our attitude be towards them,'' he said responding to a question whether the militant strikes could cast their shadow on the peace process.

Dr. Abdullah said the killings by the militants during the first two months of the ceasefire were not many and ``that is why we have given a guarded response to the extension.'' ``The Centre must talk to everybody and get on with whatever they have in hand.''

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