Mobile, Net on in Valley; sweets on LoC

For the first time since the Valley got mobile connectivity, cellular services and internet were not snapped by the government.

At three points along the LoC, Indian and Pakistani troops exchanged sweets even though areas along the border witnessed regular ceasefire violations and infiltration bids by Pakistan.

Students march with the tricolour in Bandipora, J&K, Monday.

ASSAM

CM talks about illegal Immigration

There were reports of two low-intensity blasts in Digboi in Assam’s Tinsukia district but no one was injured. Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi after hoisting the tricolour in Guwahati said the process of updating the National Register of Citizens, intended at helping solve the issue of illegal immigration from Bangladesh to Assam, will be completed in this year. “We are committed to detect and deport foreigners under provisions of the Assam Accord, but there are certain difficulties. Our government is committed to preventing illegal infiltration from across the borders,” he said.

CHHATTISGARH

Governor promises Naxal-free state

Governor Balramjidas Tandon called Naxalism a “disease” which is standing in way of development, adding that the state would soon get rid of the Maoist menace completely. He said the state government has accepted Naxalism as a challenge and with the coordinated efforts with the Centre, the menace will be wiped out soon.

He said with the coordinated efforts of Centre the menace will be wiped out soon. “I assure you, the day is not far when the state will be completely free of Naxal problem,” he said.

UTTAR PRADESH

Bad weather, but no let down in enthusiasm

Inclement weather and light rain failed to dampen the Republic Day celebrations in Lucknow. Governor Ram Naik and Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav hoisted the national flag and took part in ceremonies. Naik took salute of the ceremonial parade in presence of the Chief Minister, dignitaries and senior bureaucrats in front of Vidhan Bhawan. A helicopter, which hovered over the parade route, showered rose petals on the venue. The major attraction of the parade was a presentation by cultural groups of different schools.

MANIPUR

String of blasts creates panic

An IED had also exploded in Imphal on Sunday, but no one was hurt. Reacting to the blasts, Chief Minister Manipur Okram Ibobi Singh appealed to the insurgent groups to shun violence and said such subversive and violent activities carried out by anti-social elements would not serve any purpose. Similar blasts also took place in the hills including the border town of Moreh in Chandel district, prompting the security forces to tighten vigil along the porous India-Myanmar border. The string of blasts has made residents of Imphal panicky, with many not venturing out in night.

JHARKHAND

‘Naxalism a challenge to growth’

Jharkhand Governor Syed Ahmed, while unfurling the national flag in Ranchi, said terrorism and Left-wing extremism were big challenges to the development of the state and the nation and lauded developmental works.

ORISSA

Terror Alert sounded after IB Input

The Orissa government had sounded a high alert in all the districts after the Intelligence Bureau warned about possible terror attack in the state and neighbouring areas. However, no violence was reported from anywhere. The Republic Day was celebrated across the state with gaiety and enthusiasm amid tight security. Governor S C Jamir unfurled the tricolour at the main function on the majestic Mahatma Gandhi Road in the state capital, while Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik did so at the historic Barabati stadium in Cuttack.

The march past at Kolkata’s Red Road on Monday. (Source: Express Photo by Partha Paul)

West Bengal

Governor lauds Mamata govt

Governor K N Tripahi called upon people to respect democratic and secular values, social justice for the under-privileged and rule of law in the state. Lauding the efforts of the state government, he said the past year was one of growth and development in the state. “The effort of West Bengal is not to lag behind any other state. We are always willing to reinforce the concept of federal structure as contemplated by the Constitution,” he said.

One of the government tableaux with portrait of AIADMK chief and former CM J Jayalalithaa at the R-Day parade in Chennai, Monday.

2 states and 2 approaches 

(ANDHRA PRADESH)

‘Will strive for tech-advanced society’

Andhra Pradesh Governor ESL Narasimhan hoisted the national flag in Vijayawada and said the state government’s vision is to eliminate poverty and reduce socio-economic disparities for a healthy, technologically advanced and knowledgeable society. Narasimhan said: “My government’s guiding principle is to strive till the last man in the last mile of development paradigm is healthy, happy, peaceful and prosperous.”

TELANGANA

‘Will work on corruption-free society’

The Telangana government has rolled out a transparent strategy to augment welfare of the poor and to usher in balanced development in all spheres of economy and create a corruption free society, Governor ESL Narasimhan said. Addressing the gathering after unfurling the national flag at the first Republic Day function at Parade Ground here, after the state was created, Narasimhan said, “The government is of the view that corruption in the public domain, particularly political corruption, is the root cause of poverty and backwardness.”

(With inputs from PTI)