Srinagar and the surrounding areas of Kashmir remained peaceful and calm during the annual observation of Republic Day, 26 January 2009. The Kashmir Valley area did not experience the violence that has marred the national holiday in previous years.The run-up to Republic Day is generally marked by increasing tensions in Srinagar as government forces step up planned search and surveillance operations. Furthermore, the observation of a holiday boycott, known as "Black Day" in Srinagar, often results in a widespread shutdown of transportation and retail services, which only adds to the woes of city-dwellers.
Photo credit: Kashmir Media Service
