R-Day celebrated with colourful parades across India; CAA protests in WB, blasts in Assam

Colourful Republic Day parades capturing India's rich diversity were held across the country on Sunday as states listed out their achievements and outlined development agendas, but the occasion was marred in Upper Assam by four back-to-back explosions, claimed by the banned ULFA (I).

The celebrations were held amid tight security across the country.

Anti-CAA protesters unfurled the tricolours, formed human chains and took pledge to "protect the Constitution" at several places. Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and BJP MLA Angoorlata Deka were shown black flags by anti-CAA protesters at separate locations in the state when they were on their way to attend functions.

This was the first Republic Day for Jammu and Kashmir after its special status was withdrawn on August 5 last year and the erstwhile state was divided into two Union Territories.

Lt Governor G C Murmu unfurled the national flag at the main function in Jammu. In Kashmir, the day was celebrated amidst tight security with authorities suspending mobile services till evening. The main event was held at the Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium, where LG's advisor Khan presided over the function, but most mainstream politicians stayed away.

The national capital was also under a multi-layer, ground-to-air security cover with thousands of armed personnel, aided by dozens of drones and hundreds of CCTV cameras and facial recognition devices, keeping a tight vigil.

Anti-CAA protesters at Delhi's Shaheen Bagh unfurled the National Flag, sang the National Anthem amid the chants of "CAA se Azaadi, NRC se Azaadi, BJP se Azaadi (freedom from CAA, NRC and BJP)".

National carrier Air India distributed 30,000 Indian flags made of eco-friendly seed paper among its passengers. It also put up a big hoarding at the historic Lal Chowk in Srinagar to congratulate the people on 71st Republic Day.

In Uttar Pradesh, 71 contingents comprising the army, paramilitary, police personnel and schoolchildren marched through the streets.

In Uttarakhand, Governor Baby Rani Maurya raised the issue of female foeticide in her address, terming it as the worst sin and said the safety of daughters is a collective responsibility.

Punjab, Haryana and the Union Territory of Chandigarh also joined the nation in celebrating the day.

In the east and northeastern parts of the country, governors in respective states, unfurled the tricolour and presided over the ceremonial parade.

Instead of Meghalaya Governor Tathagata Roy, who is on leave since December, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma presided over the main function in Shillong.

In Assam, Governor Jagdish Mukhi said the state government was committed to protect the political, cultural and linguistic rights of the indigenous people.

In West Bengal, Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar led the celebrations and hoisted the national flag. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who attended the programme with her cabinet colleagues, greeted the governor at the conclusion of the programme.

In Kolkata, an interfaith group of people came out on the streets and formed human chains in various parts of the city as a mark of protest against the CAA.

In Jharkhand, Governor Droupadi Murmu insisted that unemployment was a burning issue and the government would take initiative to fill vacancies at panchayat offices and state departments.

At a separate function, Chief Minister Hemant Soren called upon people to work for the welfare of the state, rising above their cultural and religious identities.

Expressing concern over climate change, Bihar Governor Fagu Chauhan stressed on the importance of environment conservation on the occasion and lauded the state government for its efforts to generate awareness on the issue.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who was the guest of honour at the state capital's Republic Day programme, led by Governor Ganeshi Lal, exhorted people to work selflessly for the benefit of the state.

Nagaland Justice and Law Minister C M Chang, speaking at an event in Dimapur, said, "The Centre's negotiations with all Naga political groups have concluded successfully and we are now hopeful for an early solution."