By Vishnu Makhijani, IANS
New Delhi : Buoyed by a booming economy and its rising status, India Saturday celebrated its 59th Republic Day with pomp and pride, terrorist threats limiting popular enthusiasm only in Jammu and Kashmir.
Even in violence-hit northeast, tens of thousands defied militant threats to join the celebrations.
In New Delhi, Pratibha Patil became the country’s first woman head of state to take the salute at the grandest of parades in the heart of the capital as French President Nicolas Sarkozy watched with keen interest.
Rains, however, played spoilsport in parts of Orissa and West Bengal.
Security forces, on the edge due to threats by terror groups to disrupt the Republic Day proceedings, heaved a sigh of relief at the end of the day. There was trouble only in an Andhra Pradesh town, where five people were injured when a policeman’s gun went off accidentally.
In the national capital, from early morning, a mass of humanity thronged Rajpath, the magnificent two-mile boulevard from the Rashtrapati Bhavan to the India Gate war memorial, both British built monuments, and also all the way to the Mughal Red Fort to witness a 105-minute parade on a cold day.
Swathed in woollens of all varieties, from Patil’s beige-coloured long coat to jackets, shawls and even blankets, the spectators watched in awe as war machines like tanks rolled down along with marching contingents of the three wings of the military, paramilitary forces, colourful floats and school students.
Nearly 7,000 men, women and school students took part in the parade. Viewing them with great interest was Sarkozy, the guest of honour who arrived Friday on a two-day visit to India.
A popular daredevil display of motorcycle riding by Border Security Force men and a flypast featuring Sukhoi Su-30 combat jets, Il-76 heavy lift transporters and a Mi-26, the world’s largest helicopter, provided the grand finale.
Jammu and Kashmir officials said it was one of the most peaceful Republic Day celebrations since a Muslim separatist campaign began in 1989.
Hoisting of the national flag and parades by paramilitary and police units as well as children marked the events in both Jammu and Srinagar, the winter and summer capitals of the state.
However, a shutdown called by separatist groups crippled life in the Kashmir Valley. People also remained mostly indoors in the Jammu region fearing terror attacks.
In the northeast, a 17-hour general strike enforced by separatists to boycott Republic Day celebrations failed to impact life in Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura.
Officials said public and private vehicles plied normally and people took part in the festivities with great enthusiasm.
“It is heartening to see people participating in the Republic Day. It shows that militants are losing support among the masses,” Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said.
Tripura Governor Dinesh Nandan Sahaya unfurled the Indian flag at the Assam Rifles ground in Agartala. “People came out in large numbers across the state to participate in the celebrations,” police spokesman Nepal Das said.
Militants in the insurgency-hit northeast have for years urged people to stay away from Independence and Republic Day celebrations.
In Raipur, Chhattisgarh Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan praised the Salwa Judum civil militia movement in the state as “the biggest ever decisive move” to “protect democracy” against Maoists. Chief Minister Raman Singh hoisted the tri-colour at Ambikapur, the district headquarters of Surguja.
In Punjab and Haryana and their common capital Chandigarh, there was no let up in enthusiasm for Republic Day despite dipping temperatures.
In Punjab, Governor S.F. Rodrigues unfurled the flag at Patiala, 90 km from Chandigarh. A colourful cultural programme followed the march past by personnel from security forces and students. Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal unfurled the national flag in the industrial city of Ludhiana.
Addressing the Republic Day function in Mumbai, Maharashtra Governor S.M. Krishna said the state remained the most favoured destination for foreign direct investment in India, have attracted Rs.197 billion in the past three years.
In the Uttar Pradesh capital Lucknow, the Vidhan Sabha Marg resembled a mini Rajpath with unprecedented security marking the Republic Day.
Cultural shows by school children, skits depicting the Indian independence struggle and an impressive parade by military and police units marked the event in Karnataka.
Heavy rains marred the celebrations in Kolkata but the military personnel nevertheless went ahead with their grand parade. Orissa too celebrated the day amid heavy rains. Despite the showers and cloudy sky, thousands attended the celebrations across the state.
Speaking at the Republic Day function in Patna, Governor R.S. Gavai said Bihar’s law and order situation had improved.
In Kerala, Agriculture Minister Mullakara Ratnakaran ordered the suspension of an official who hoisted the Congress flag instead of the tricolour. The official argued it was a mistake, but the minister told IANS: “We see it as a serious offence.”