I-Day celebrations pass off peacefully in Karnataka

Bangalore, Aug 15 (UNI) Amid tight security cover, in view of central intelligence agencies alerting the state of possible terrorist attacks, the 60th Independence Day celebrations passed off peacefully in Karnataka today.

The high security cover was provided in the wake of the terrorist attack on the Indian Institute of Science last year, which claimed a scientist's life, apart form the alert sounded by the central agencies and the last month's serial bomb attack on Mumbai local trains, which claimed about 190 lives.

The celebrations at Field Marshall Manekshaw grounds attracted thousands of people. Hundreds of school children dressed up in different costumes gave impressive performances. Platoons of security agencies, police and other organisations also took part in the event. A group of blind girls and boys attired with crisp uniforms marched impressively past the Karnataka Governor T N Chaturvedi and the Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, who took salute.

Nearly 1000 policemen, including the officer for the security, had been deployed at the parade grounds. Officials from Border Security Force, Central Industrial Security Force and State Reserve Police were also stationed. Closed circuit television cameras had been installed here for the first time. Police had banned processions and demonstrations in and around the parade grounds. Mobile phones, cameras, radios, glass bottles, bags and even umbrellas, were banned for the event.

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