Amid tight security cover and a separatist sponsored general strike, Independence Day functions passed off peacefully in Kashmir on Wednesday.

Chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad unfurled the national flag and took salute at the march past at highly secured Bakhshi Stadium here.

He appealed to militants to shun the path of violence and join the dialogue process with the government of India. Azad stated that violence has brought only death and destruction to the state.

“No issue can be solved on gun point. All issues need to be tackled through talks,” he said.

Bakhshi Stadium was completely sealed by security forces and police.

They had occupied the buildings around the stadium. Even mobile phone services were disrupted for more than three hours as a precautionary measure by security agencies. 

Security authorities were apprehensive of suicidal attacks by militants during the functions.

Reports of peaceful Independence Day functions were received from almost every part of Kashmir.

A number of separatist and militant groups had called for a general strike on Wednesday. Normal life was paralysed due to the strike.