IN PIX: India celebrates 65 years of independence

Independence Day functions in Srinagar were held under tight security across Kashmir Valley where a complete shutdown crippled normal life on Monday. Independence Day function was held at the heavily guarded Bakshi stadium with a three-tier security blanket thrown around it.

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Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, unfurled the tricolour and took salute at an impressive march past by smartly dressed contingents of Jammu and Kashmir police, paramilitary, central reserve police force, Border Security Force and school children.

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In a historic departure, contingents of school children were missing from the cultural pageantry that follows the parade. A senior police officer said the step was taken as a mark of respect for the holy month of Ramadan.

The chief minister said that 'resolution of issues can only be ensured through talks in a peaceful and amicable atmosphere'.

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He said 'gun has never been answer to any problem neither would it solve any issue in future'.

"We have to work for sustained dialogue to resolve internal and external political issues politically", he said expressing the hope that interlocutors would soon present their report to the centre for further action.

A tight three tier security cordon had been laid by authorities to secure the stadium from any militant attacks days ahead of main function.

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Paramilitary sharpshooters had taken position on roof tops of buildings over-looking the stadium. Hi-tech electronic jamming equipment also formed part of the security inside the stadium.

The mobile phones across the Valley were jammed as a measure of high security.

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A complete shutdown was observed as usual across Kashmir Valley on Monday called by both groups of the separatist All Parties Hurriyat Conference.

Shops were closed and pedestrian and vehicular traffic remained completely off the roads.

There was heavy presence of police and paramilitary, central reserve police force on the streets in capital Srinagar. The security forces had blocked all roads leading to the stadium.

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A school girl, with her face painted in the colours of India's national flag, takes part in a cultural program to celebrate India's Independence Day in Chandigarh.  

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School children take part in a cultural program to celebrate India's independence day in Chandigarh.