Independence Day celebrated across Azad Jammu and Kashmir

Javaid Mujtaba Geelani, inspector general of police (IGP), Kashmir, told reporters in Srinagar that “Adequate security arrangements have been made in Srinagar city and other places in the valley to ensure militants are not able to disrupt normalcy”.

Three hardcore militants of Lashker-e-Toiba (LeT) outfit were also killed as security forces stepped up the counter- insurgency operations in Pulwama district of south Kashmir since the beginning of this month.

The chief minister went on: “Peace through dialogue and reconciliation is the only way forward between India and Pakistan whose biggest beneficiary would be the people of Jammu and Kashmir“.

Amid heightened security, heavy restrictions were imposed in Srinagar city on Friday ahead of Independence Day.

Srinagar, August 15 Calls, SMS and internet services on mobile phones were on Saturday suspended in Jammu and Kashmir as a security precaution on Independence Day, an official said.

Mobile phone services remained suspended till the main flag hoisting and parades ended in different places in the valley.

A ceremony was held at Mirpur University of Science and Technology.

Chief Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed will take the salute of the Independence day parade and unfurl tri-color at Bakshi Stadium.

A variety of colourful cultural programmes were presented by students of educational institutions in collaboration with Information, Youth Services and Sports Departments and Cultural Academy of Art, Culture and Languages.