A shutdown is being observed across Kashmir Valley on the call of the Joint Resistance Leadership comprising Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik to observe January 26 as ‘black day’ . The leaders had yesterday said India had no right to celebrate its Republic Day in Jammu and Kashmir while it continued to militarily occupy the state and deny people their democratic and human rights.

Roads in summer capital city were deserted as all shops and business establishment remained closed with police and paramilitary CRPF troopers manning barricades at different intersections.

In Srinagar city, the main official  function to mark India’s Republic Day was held at the Sher-e-Kashmir cricket stadium where Revenue and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Abdul Rehman Veeri hoisted the tricolour and took the salute at the parade. Police said Republic Day functions at all district headquarters passed off peacefully.

All roads leading to the stadium were sealed and internet snapped since Thursday evening. (Pictures by Zargar Zahoor)