*Srinagar: *Thousands of security personnel were deployed in Srinagar andother district headquarters of Jammu and Kashmir to ensure a peaceful RepublicDaylink>amida strike called by separatists. All programmes in the valley, including themain event in Srinagar, passed off peacefully.

“The Republic Day functions at all district headquarters passed offpeacefully,” a senior police officer said.

In the wake of a strike called by separatist groups, there was a completeclampdown in Kashmir. The separatists asked people observe January 26 as”Black Day”, prompting security forces to enforce curfew-like restrictionsto prevent any protests.

Mobile phone and internet services were suspended ahead of the day’sprogrammes. While blocking internet services has become routine on RepublicDay, mobile phone services were snapped in all the 10 districts of KashmirValley after a long time to prevent security incidents.

Earlier, the police had issued an advisory to all security formations,warning about a possible suicide attack by “a non-Kashmir girl”.

A senior officer, however, said the advisory was “a knee-jerk reaction” tounsubstantiated reports that the girl had joined suicide squad of terroristgroups in the valley.

The main official function was held at Srinagar’s Sher-e-Kashmir CricketStadium, where Revenue Minister Abdul Rehman Veeri presided over the event.

All roads leading to the stadium were sealed after intelligence inputssuggested the possibility that terrorists or other “anti-national” elementsmay try to disrupt the event, officials said.

Security forces had laid down a multi-layer cordon around the stadium. Thestadium hosted the parade for the first time as the regular venue, Bakhshistadium, is being renovated.

Multiple checkpoints had been set up near the stadium.

The function at the stadium was attended mostly by state governmentofficials and a few political workers.

Invitations were not extended to the general public due to a shortage ofspace at the makeshift venue, officials said.

Various wings of police and school children participated in the parade. Thestudents presented a colourful programme.