India national day clouded by Kashmir turmoil, terror alert

Abu Dhabi: India celebrated the 64th anniversary of its independence from British rule, on Sunday amid turmoil in Kashmir and threats of attacks by Islamist militants.
 
More than 80,000 police troops have been deployed in New Delhi to guard the capital against the possibility of attack.

Parking lots and market places have been closed and New Delhi has been declared a temporary "no-fly zone" to prevent aerial attacks during the celebrations, which include a speech by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

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Last week, the United States warned of the risk of attack by Islamic militants in Indian cities.

"There is a continuing threat of terrorism," the US State Department said on August 10, noting that previous attacks had "randomly targeted public places frequented by Westerners, including luxury and other hotels, trains, train stations, markets, cinemas, mosques and restaurants".

Security measures are most intense in Kashmir where a curfew has been imposed. The city has been subjected to street protests, which have left 57 people dead, in the past two months.

Celebration in the UAE

In the UAE, the Indian expatriate community celebrated in style. A large number of Indian nationals gathered at the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi on Sunday morning.

M.K. Lokesh, the Indian Ambassador to the UAE, hoisted the national flag and addressed the community at the function, held in the embassy auditorium. He read out the Indian president's address to the nation.

Pupils of Abu Dhabi Indian School and the Eduscan Institute then entertained the crowd with musical and theatrical performances, adding to the colourful atmosphere at the event.

Community members said they were delighted with the celebrations.

"It's nice. Though we're far away from home country, we're able to celebrate the Independence Day here," said Abu Dhabi resident, Suravi Vasu.

Members of the Indian Social and Cultural Centre (ISC) celebrated Independence Day at the ISC premises in Abu Dhabi. M. Thomas Varghese, President of the ISC hoisted the National Flag and addressed the gathering.

With input from AFP