Ceasefire violation, strike in Valley; Governor calls for peace, progress

JAMMU/SRINAGAR: Security forces should carry on with a close "vigil without lowering their guard" till peace returns in Jammu and Kashmir, Governor N N Vohra said today at the Republic Day flag-hoisting ceremony in Jammu.

Pointing at the rising incidents of ceasefire violations and infiltration in the state, the governor also urged Pakistan to maintain calm along the border.

The main ceremony Republic Day for the state was held at Maulana Azad Stadium in Jammu where the governor hoisted the national flag and took the salute at the parade in which contingents of army, paramilitary forces, police and school students took part.

The ceremony in the summer capital Srinagar was led by the Minister for Panchayat Raj, Ali Mohammad Sagar, who called for a dialogue between the separatists and the Centre for resolving the political issues facing the state.

The function was held under a tight security cover with all roads leading to Bakshi Stadium being sealed as part of the arrangements.

But Republic Day was not without incident in the Valley where a fresh ceasefire violation occurred in Uri sector, army said.

An army officer said that Indian troops did not retaliate to the three-hour firing from the Pakistani side. No casualties were reported in the firing.

Meanwhile, shops and business establishments remained closed and traffic remained off the roads in most parts of the Valley in response to a strike called by hardline Hurriyat Conference leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani and other separatists over their demand for a resolution of the Kashmir issue.

Also, cellphones and wireless internet services across the Valley were temporarily suspended as part of the precautionary measures for Republic Day. Militants have used mobile phones in the past to trigger remote-controlled explosive devices in Kashmir.