India marks today ? the day it became free from British colonial rule in 1947 ? with parades, flag-hoisting ceremonies and cultural events with the main celebrations in New Delhi. India deployed anti-aircraft guns and snipers in the capital yesterday as it sealed buildings and closed roads to prevent militant attacks on the eve of its Independence Day anniversary.

The celebration and days leading to it have frequently been marred by attacks by dozens of militant groups fighting for freedom or more autonomy in disputed Kashmir and the troubled northeastern states and Maoist rebels active across large swathes of the country.

?The threat perception is high,? said a senior Delhi police officer, who did not want to be named. ?There are intelligence reports warning us of terrorist attacks and so we can?t take any chances.? He said the area around the 17th century Red Fort in the old quarters of the capital, from the ramparts of which prime minister Manmohan Singh is due to address the nation on Monday, had been sealed and helicopters deployed for aerial surveys.

Authorities said vigil was further increased in Jammu and Kashmir state where Muslim militants have been fighting against Indian rule since 1989, a revolt that has claimed tens of thousands of lives so far.

Kashmir?s main political separatist alliance, the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, has called for a general strike on Monday and urged people to observe it as a ?black day.? ?On one hand, India is talking of peace and on the other, under the pretext of security, Indian forces have let loose a reign of terror across Kashmir,? a Hurriyat statement said.

Thousands of troops in battle fatigues were deployed across the Himalayan state to counter militant attacks and soldiers checked buses and cars in Srinagar, Kashmir?s summer capital. Several areas were cordoned off and policemen frisked people. Violence involving separatists and soldiers continues in the mountainous region despite a two-year peace process between India and Pakistan, who have fought over Kashmir.

Police said two soldiers and three Muslim militants were killed in a fierce gun battle on Saturday while the rebels shot dead two civilians. Intelligence officials in northeast India said they feared militant attacks during today?s celebrations, particularly in the main state of Assam. Flights and night trains have been cancelled throughout the northeast today.

                                                               <b>Y.P. Rajesh</b>