Kashmir Tuesday observed a complete shutdown on India’s 70thIndependence Day with authorities placing stringent security arrangements to thwart any protest or militant attack in the region. The mobile services were snapped for several hours in the morning and restored at noon while Old City was placed under restrictions.

Witnesses told GNS that all the shops, commercial establishments and petrol pumps were closed across summer capital here while public and private transport was also off the roads. The banks and government offices were closed on the account of government holiday while educational institutes also remained closed on holiday account.

All the roads in the city, which otherwise remain abuzz with traffic, wore a deserted look throughout theday. The authorities imposed restrictions in the Old City by deploying large number of police and paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) since morning in areas falling under five police station areas including Nowhatta, Khanyar, M.R. Gunj, Rainawari and Khanyar. The forces were also deployed in Civil Lines areas including Lal Chowk, Budshah Chowk, Batamaloo and other areas.

All the roads leading to Bakshi Stadium, which was main venue for Independence Day celebrations in Srinagar, were sealed by security men till function was over. Officials said the Independence Day functions across the valley passed off peacefully with no incident of militant violence. They added that no law and order situation arose in any part of the valley.

According to GNS correspondents, complete shutdown was observed in all other districts of valley including Anantnag, Shopian, Pulwama, Kulgam, Budgam, Ganderbal, Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora. The authorities meanwhile snapped mobile services from 9:00 am till 12:30 pm as part of security measure. However the services of BSNL were not snapped. Clashes were reported from Nawa Kadal, Bohri Kadal, Safa Kadal and Gojwara areas of the downtown in the evening.

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