Shutdown in Kashmir on India's 72nd Independence Day

Separatists in Kashmir called for a state-wide shutdown to mark the country's 72nd Independence Day on Wednesday.

The separatists in a statement called on students to boycott Independence Day celebrations in schools and warned teachers and parents against forcing their children to take part in any such programmes.

Heavy security was deployed across the region and mobile internet services were also suspended to prevent any rumour mongering or protest gatherings. Shops remained closed and vehicles were off the roads.

The Himalayan region is one of the world's most militarised zones, with India deploying more than 1.3 million troops to quell the rebellion that triggered off in 1989.

India accuses Pakistan of backing separatist fighters - a charge Islamabad denies. Violence has declined since the early 2000s when thousands died each year, but disillusionment and anger against Indian rule is widespread, and the separatist revolt is now largely homegrown.

India achieved its independence from the colonial British rule on August 15, 1947, ending more than 200 years of rule.