People in Indian-administered Kashmir have hoisted black flags in many parts of the summer capital Srinagar to mark India's independence day day.

The Kashmir Valley remains paralysed by a shutdown called by separatist groups.

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The unrest began two months ago in the region when a small piece of land was awarded to a trust running a Hindu shrine - provoking Muslim anger.

The government then rescinded its decision, triggering furious counter-protests from Hindus in the Jammu region.

More than 21 people have died this week in the Muslim-majority Kashmir valley during police firing on protesters.

Separatist groups have declared a "black day" on Indian independence day.

But the BBC's Altaf Hussain in Srinagar says that there have been no reports of disruption in functions organised by the government to celebrate the occasion.

The main ceremony was held at the Bakhshi Stadium in Srinagar where the state Governor, NN Vohra, took the salute at a march-past by the police and paramilitary soldiers.

Our correspondent says that while students of the police school in Srinagar participated in the march, students from other schools - whether government-owned or private - were conspicuous by their absence.

Ordinary people also stayed away from the ceremony.

In his customary address on the occasion, the governor expressed deep anguish over the present situation in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

'Problems resolved'

"Some sad incidents happened at a time when we had a boom in the tourism industry. It is as if the sun had set at noon."

Mr Vohra appealed to people to rise above regional and religious differences.

He said dialogue was the only way to sort out problems.

"My effort will be bring the leaders of the agitation to the table so that all the problems are resolved," he said.

The governor also promised to help the families of people killed in police firing during the protests.

He said he would try to create a "conducive atmosphere" for elections to the state's law-making assembly.

However, unlike before, he did not say the elections would be held on time.

After years of relative calm, the demonstrations in the valley are the biggest since a separatist rebellion against Indian rule broke out nearly 20 years ago, analysts say.

A curfew is still in place in parts of the Jammu region, though it is being relaxed from time to time.

(BBC)

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