PTI, NEW DELHI: Republic Day celebrations were marred by three low-intensity explosions in Assam, and clashes and curfew in Uttar Pradesh’s Kasganj, where one person was killed in violence.
However, colourful tableaux, synchronised parades, and enthusiasm and excitement among students marked the day in rest of the country as it celebrated the 69th Republic Day amid tight security.
A 16-year-old boy was killed and at least two persons injured in clashes that erupted following stone-pelting at a motorcycle rally by VHP and ABVP volunteers on the Mathura- Bareilly Highway to mark the Republic Day, police said. The district administration has imposed curfew in the trouble-hit area.
“One person died during arson, firing and stone pelting, while two others sustained injuries today. The deceased has been identified as Chandan (16). Curfew has been imposed in the city,” District Magistrate R P Singh said. Assam’s Tinsukia district was hit by three low-intensity explosions, suspected to have been carried out by ULFA (Independent) insurgents, police said.
There was no report of any casualty, they said. Police said two blasts occurred within a gap of a few minutes in a drain near the Jagun police station, and the other one at Tirap colliery near the Ledo police station. Director General of Police Mukesh Sahay told reporters in Guwahati the explosions were of low intensity and was carried out by the ULFA(I) to prove its existence.
In other sates, Governors unfurled the tricolour and outlined its achievements while also urging the citizens of the Republic to take pledge to meet the challenges ahead.
In Kashmir, all Republic Day programmes, including the main event in Srinagar, were uneventful amid heightened security measures in view of intelligence reports suggesting that militants might target the functions.
Governor N N Vohra said Pakistan’s continuing proxy war for the past three decades to destabilize the state has adversely affected its growth and development. He said 2017 was marked by Pakistan’s sustained attempts to infiltrate the largest possible number of terrorists into the Valley.
V P Singh Badnore, Punjab Governor and the administrator of UT Chandigarh, unfurled the national flag in Pathankot, while Haryana Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki hoisted the tricolour in Ambala.
Meanwhile, two Saudi nationals and an Indian, carrying a satellite phone, were detained in Pokhran town of Rajasthan for allegedly hatching a conspiracy to disturb peace and
harmony, police said.
Jaisalmer Superintendent of Police Gaurav Yadav said they will be interrogated by a joint team of military intelligence and Jaisalmer police. Possession of satellite phone without authorisation is not allowed in the country. Bihar Governor Satya Pal Malik hoisted the tricolour at the famous Gandhi Maidan at Patna on the occasion and said the state was working for the development of all sections of
the society. The ceremony was attended by a host of dignitaries, including Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi.
Later in the day, the CM hoisted the flag at his official residence and at a “Mahadalit Tola” in Punpun block of rural Patna. In neighbouring Jharkhand, after unfurling the tricolour, Governor Droupadi Murmu said the state is second only to Gujarat in terms of growth rate in the country. West Bengal Governor K N Tripathi hoisted the tricolor at Red Road in Kolkata. He also presided over an hour-long
marchpast of the armed forces, police forces and civilians, including school students.
