The Independence Day ceremonies went off peacefully across Kashmir on Wednesday, amidst a near total shutdown in the Valley.

The premier Independence Day function at Bakshi Stadium in the heart of Srinagar [Images] was held under a three-tier security cover, put in place by the paramilitary troops, specially trained commandos and state police.

All roads leading to the stadium were dotted by security forces, frisking people who had come to attend Wednesday's function at the stadium.

Paramilitary and police trucks had been obliquely parked to obstruct paths leading to the stadium to thwart any suicide attack by militants.

Wednesday's official function was attended by coalition government ministers, senior civil, military, paramilitary and police officials, prominent citizens and a good number of locals.

Jammu and Kashmir [Images] Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, who unfurled the tricolour and took salute at the heavily guarded Bakshi Stadium, said development and prosperity was not possible unless the bloodshed stops.

"The peace process between India and Pakistan is on. Its biggest advantage has been that the borders are calm. This has brought in a great change and relief into the lives of the villagers who live close to the Line of Control," Azad told the well attended function in the stadium.

Sharpshooters of the paramilitary had been positioned on all high-rise buildings around the venue to ensure that the militants were prevented from firing any grenades or rockets.

"The speed of the peace process has somewhat slowed down because of the internal situation in Pakistan. I pray to God the situation in Pakistan improves so that the peace process is carried forward," Azad said.

While expressing his concern over the recent blaze inside the army's ammunition depot in Khandroo village of south Kashmir Anantnag district, the chief minister said that the "uprooted families from around the depot would be returning to their homes within the next seven days."

The chief minister also said efforts had been on for the safe return of the migrant Kashmiri Pandits to their homes in the Valley.

"Till that is possible, we are constructing 4,200 flats in Jammu for the temporary accommodation of the migrant Pandit families," he said.

Smartly turned out contingents of local police, paramilitary, home guards, civil defence and schoolchildren took part in the impressive parade where the chief minister took salute.

A cultural programme was also presented by school children after the parade.