I-Day celebrations peaceful in AP

Hyderabad, Aug 15 (UNI) The 60th Independece Day celebrations passed off peacefully in Andhra Pradesh with police providing unprecedented security in the wake of possible threat from Maoists and terrorist organisations.

The day was marked by traditional fervour and enthusiasm through the state as over 600 action teams were pressed into service to thwart any attempt by naxals or others to disrupt the celebrations.

However, the celebrations were marred by pitching of black flags by Maoists in three villages in Warangal district, police said.

As police virtually clamped a security blanket over the Parade Grounds, Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy hoisted the national flag and rededicated his Government to ushering in development.

He said it would be achieved through a multi-pronged strategy with focus on rerailing the rural economy, implementing a host of welfare programmes including INDIRAMMA to saturate the basic needs of the people in three years, and facilitate rapid industrial development by providing the required infrastructure.

Recalling various schemes named after the Nehru-Gandhi family to usher in 'Indiramma Raj', Dr Reddy said a new land acquisition policy would be announced soon for those displaced by projects.

In Visakhapatnam, Vice-Admiral Suresh Mehta, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, today took the salute at the parade in the ENC parade grounds and presented cash awards to 23 naval personnel and defence civilian employees.

Hoisting the tricolour in Eluru, Market Minister B Satyanarayana said the bunds of river Godavari would be strengthened at a cost of Rs 650 crore to prevent recurrence of floods, which had left a trail of destruction in the state.

In Chittoor, Minorities Welfare Minister Md Fareeduddin hoisted the National Flag, distributed welfare assistance to the weaker section and honoured freedom fighters.

(Eds: Pick up suitably from earlier series) UNI TEAM SM JJ PR VC1922