The Republic celebrates

Gujarat

Help in nation building: Modi to youth

Dang: Terming the 64th Republic Day celebrations at Ahwa village in tribal-dominated Dang district as "a historic feat", Chief Minister Narendra Modi appealed the youth to contribute to nation-building. Governor Kamla Beniwal unfurled the tricolour following which a parade was held.

"A small gram Panchayat like Ahwa hosting the state-level celebrations of 64th Republic Day... it is a historic feat for the country and highlights people's strength. I congratulate them," Modi said. "The population of those who were born after Independence is 65 per cent, it's a generation which never got the opportunity to die for nation, but have got the chance to live for the country. This generation should take a pledge to contribute to nation-building and uplifting of poor in whatever little way they can."

JAMMU & KASHMIR

State urges separatists to enter talks

SRINAGAR: In the valley, the Republic Day was marked by a complete shutdown, called by United Jihad Council chief Syed Salahuddin and the Hurriyat to protest against the "occupation of Kashmir". The day, however, passed off peacefully. The main function took place at Bakshi Stadium, where Rural Development Minister Ali Mohammad Sagar unfurled the flag.

Maintaining that peace was a prerequisite for development, Sagar urged the separatists to enter talks. "Gun has only brought destruction to this place. No issue can be solved by guns," Rural Development Minister Ali Mohammad Sagar said in his Republic Day address at the Bakshi Stadium. "We may not agree with their (separatists) views but the essence of democracy is in resolving issues through dialogue. It is the only way to settle issues." ENS & PTI

ASSAM

'Counter-insurgency ops have delivered'

Guwahati: Counter-insurgency operations have yielded results and steps are being taken to bring about overall development in Assam, Governor J B Patnaik said. Terming last year's communal riots in Assam as "unfortunate", he said due to the efforts of the government, violence were controlled. Meanwhile, the militant outfits' call for Republic Day boycott went largely unheeded.

... contd.

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