Celebrations, separatist strike mark India's Republic Day in Kashmir

Authorities in Indian-controlled Kashmir Monday organized official functions amid the stepped up security vigil and the general strike called by separatist groups, to celebrate India's 66th Republic Day, police said.

Two major functions were held in twin capital cities of the region, Srinagar and Jammu, where the contingents of police, paramilitary troopers, teen cadets and school children marched past the Indian flag and staged performances to mark official celebrations.

In Srinagar, summer capital of the region, a top civilian official of the local government unfurled the Indian flag and took the salute in highly secured Bakhshi stadium.

In Jammu city, the winter capital, the region's governor N. N. Vohra hoisted the Indian tri-color and took the salute of march past at Maulana Azad Memorial stadium.

The security was beefed up in the region days before the celebrations to thwart possible attempts to disrupt the official functions.

India's federal government had sent an advisory to the region in the wake of U.S. President Barack Obama's 3-day visit to India.

Obama arrived in Indian capital New Delhi Sunday morning and was the chief guest on Monday's Indian Republic Day celebrations and the ceremonial parade.

Police and paramilitary troopers were deployed on roads across the region in full strength and bullet proof mobile bunker vehicles were also parked in the middle of the roads outside venues of official functions to prevent any attack.

The security agencies had activated all the installed Closed Circuit Television Cameras (CCTVs) in Srinagar to monitor the movement of people.

The Republic Day in India marks the date when India's new republican constitution came into force on 1950.

Every year, the day is celebrated by India on January 26. The main function was held in New Delhi, where India's cultural diversity was displayed along with military might.

A strike called by separatists affected the normal life in restive region. Shops and businesses were shut, while traffic was off the roads.

Separatists in the region are demanding the end of New Delhi's rule in the Indian-controlled Kashmir.

Media reports said official functions were held at district headquarters as well.

Contrary to the normal practice of disrupting the mobile telephone and internet signals during the Indian Republic day functions, this year the connectivity was left unhampered.

A separatist movement and guerilla war challenging New Delhi's rule is going on in Indian-controlled Kashmir since 1989.

Gunfight between militants and Indian troopers takes place intermittently in the restive region.

Kashmir, the Himalayan region divided between India and Pakistan is claimed by both in full.

Since their independence from Britain, the two countries have fought three wars, two exclusively over Kashmir. Endi