Early Times Report
Jammu/srinagar, Jan 27: Pakistani troops violated the ceasefire along the line of control in Kashmir on the morning of the 65th Republic Day on Sunday by unprovoked firing for three hours, the Army said.
"Today morning at 6.15am, when it was dark, there was unprovoked firing from Pakistani side. They fired about three RPG rounds and small arms towards the Kaman post (in Uri sector) on the Indian side," general officer commanding of 19 Infantry Division Major General Anil Chauhan told reporters.
Security forces should carry on with a close "vigil without lowering their guard" till peace returns in J&K, governor NN Vohra said at the Republic Day flag-hoisting ceremony in Jammu. The governor also urged Pakistan to maintain calm along the border and pointed towards the rising incidents of ceasefire violations and infiltration in the state. Praising the security forces and police, Vohra said, "I take this opportunity to pay tribute to state and central police forces and the army for their unflinching devotion to duty and pay homage to our brave officers who laid down their lives to protect the country's territorial integrity." The main Republic Day ceremony for the state was held at Maulana Azad Stadium in Jammu where the governor hoisted the national flag. The ceremony in Srinagar was led by minister for panchayat raj, Ali Mohammad Sagar, who stressed upon a dialogue between the separatists and the Centre for resolving the state's political issues. The function was held under a tight security cover.
Meanwhile, a complete shutdown was observed in the Kashmir Valley in response to a call given by all the separatist groups. Shops and business establishments remained closed and the roads were deserted with no traffic barring police and army vehicles.
As usual, mobile phones and internet services were suspended from Sunday morning till 1pm. Militants have used mobile phones in the past to trigger remote-controlled explosive devices in Kashmir.
Incensed by the frequent house to house searches by security forces at Palhalan in Baramulla district, residents clashed with the police who used tear gas shells to disperse the protesters.
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