By IANS
Jammu : Governor S.K. Sinha Saturday urged the youths to join the “new and progressive Jammu and Kashmir” as the Republic Day celebrations passed off peacefully all across the state.
Sinha and Chief Minister Ghulab Nabi Azad were seated in bullet-proof enclosures at the main function at the Maulana Azad Memorial Stadium here.
Sinha took the salute at a parade of army, paramilitary forces and police contingents. Students from nearly a dozen government and private schools also participated.
On the streets, there was an eerie silence as most people stayed indoors due to heavy security restrictions as well as fears of terror attacks.
A curfew like situation prevailed in the hilly districts of Jammu region. Shops and business establishments remained closed.
In his 40-minute speech, Sinha highlighted the developmental activities of the government while asking the youths to join what he called as a “new and progressive Jammu and Kashmir”.
Celebrations in the districts of Doda, Rajouri and Kishtwar were restricted to official functions.