I-day celebrations pass off peacefully in K'taka

Bangalore, Aug 15: Amidst 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 at the Indian Institute of Science last year which claimed the life of a scientist, apart form the alert sounded by the central agencies and the last month's serial bomb attack on Mumbai local trains which had claimed 190 lives.

The celebrations at Field Marshall Manek Shaw 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.

What attracted most was 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.

Police had deployed nearly 1000 policemen including the officer for the security at the parade grounds. Persons from border security force , Central Industrial Security Force and State Reserve Police were also deployed. Closed circuit television cameras had been installed for the first time. Police had banned processions and demonstrations in and around the parade grounds. The invitees and the public had been banned from carrying mobile phones, cameras, radios, glass bottles, bags and even umbrellas.

UNI