I-Day celebrated amidst tight security in WB

The 73rd Independence Day was celebrated peacefully in West Bengal amid tight security with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee unfurling the national tri-colour on Thursday in the city.

The chief minister took salute from Kolkata Police and presented gallantary medals to the police personnel.

"Acting on alerts from the MHA, we made special security arrangement for Independence Day celebrations. We left no stone unturned to make the arrangement fulllproof," an official said.

As a security measure all entry and exit points of the metropolis have been kept under strict watch, the police said.

Security at all vital installations, railway stations, bus terminus and shopping malls have been strengthened and vigil has been stepped up along the international borders with Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan.

The NSC Bose International Airport was put on high alert ahead of the Independence Day, airport sources said.

Security in areas bordering with neighbouring states such as Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha was stepped up, a police official said.

The Red Road venue, where Banerjee hoisted the national flag, was divided into 14 zones whose security was monitored by top officers of Kolkata Police.

The chief minister did not address the people at the programme. She said in a Twitter post late on Wednesday night "I salute my nation and all our countrymen & women on Independence Day. Democracy is our most priceless asset. Let us take an oath today, not to divide India. We must unite India."