In Pics: On Republic Day in Kashmir, Snow Adorns the Tricolour

Heavy snowfall and a shutdown call did not dampen spirits during the Republic Day celebrations in Srinagar.

A college student performs a traditional dance at Srinagar’s Bakshi Stadium during the 68th Republic Day celebrations. (Photo: Muneeb Ul Islam)

Despite heavy snowfall and calls for shutdown, Kashmir celebrated the 68th Republic Day with fervour on Thursday. The Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar saw a grand parade and flag-hoisting followed by a cultural programme.

A college girl performs at Srinagar’s Bakshi Stadium. (Photo: Muneeb Ul Islam)

Dancers dressed in traditional attire at Bakshi Stadium. (Photo: Muneeb Ul Islam)

Marching on Snow

The celebrations did not see the participation of any politicians, with heavy snowfall snapping road and air links for the last three days.

Deputy commissioners, however, were directed by the state government to hoist the tricolour in various districts in the Valley.

Soldiers march during the parade in Srinagar. (Photo: Muneeb Ul Islam)

The 68th Republic Day parade in Bakshi Stadium. (Photo: Muneeb Ul Islam)

Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Basheer Khan salutes security personnel during the Republic Day parade in Srinagar. (Photo: Muneeb Ul Islam)

A policewoman leads personnel during the Republic Day parade. (Photo: Muneeb Ul Islam)

Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Basheer Khan at the parade. (Photo Courtesy: Muneeb Ul Islam)

Participants at the R-Day celebrations. (Photo: Muneeb Ul Islam)

A policeman takes part in the Republic Day parade. (Photo: Muneeb Ul Islam)

Schoolboys march at Bakshi Stadium. (Photo: Muneeb Ul Islam)

Security personnel at the parade. (Photo: Muneeb Ul Islam)

Shutdown Observed

Many civilians stayed indoors, observing a complete shutdown that was called across the the Valley.

A complete shutdown was observed in Kashmir on Thursday at the the instance of Kashmir’s ‘joint resistance leadership’. (Photo: Muneeb Ul Islam)

Heavy security was deployed to ensure that the celebrations took place peacefully.

An Indian paramilitary trooper stands outside Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar. (Photo: Muneeb Ul Islam)