DATE=1/25/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT/L-ONLY
TITLE=INDIA / REPUBLIC DAY O'NITER (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-258413
BYLINE=JIM TEEPLE
DATELINE=NEW DELHI
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The Indian government has placed tens of
thousands of security personnel on high alert on the
eve of Republic Day observances. Wednesday marks the
50th anniversary of the adoption of India's
constitution and celebrations will be held under tight
security following attacks in Kashmir by separatist
militants and three days of cross border mortar and
artillery shelling between Indian and Pakistani
troops. VOA's Jim Teeple has more from the Indian
capital.
TEXT: More than 55-thousand troops are guarding the
traditional Republic Day parade route and authorities
have banned all air traffic over New Delhi in some of
the tightest security measures being seen since
Republic Day observances began fifty years ago.
The celebrations take place following a week of almost
daily attacks against Indian military institutions in
the state of Jammu and Kashmir by separatist
militants. Militants in Kashmir have threatened to
disrupt Republic Day observances in the troubled
state. Speaking on Indian television Brigadier S-C
Chopra, a senior army commander, says he is confident
the army will be able to control militant activity.
/// CHOPRA ACTUALITY ///
As regards to the situation concerned, it is
well under control of the security forces. The
security forces are on top of the situation and
the morale of the troops is very high.
/// END ACTUALITY ///
Along the India / Pakistan border in the state of
Jammu and Kashmir, troops from both countries have
been trading artillery and mortar fire over the past
several days. Last year India and Pakistan came
close to fighting their fourth war after guerrilla
fighters crossed into a mountainous region of Indian
Kashmir from Pakistan.
Since then relations have not improved, with India
recently accusing Pakistan of involvement in the
hijacking of an Indian Airlines plane in December - a
charge denied by Pakistan. In the traditional
presidential speech given on the eve of Republic Day
celebrations, President K-R Narayanan said India wants
to live in peace with its neighbor.
/// NARAYANAN ACTUALITY ///
We want to live in peace with Pakistan. We want
the relations to conform to the best traditions
of good neighborliness, eschewing terrorist
interventions and propaganda of hatred.
/// END ACTUALITY ///
In Pakistan, the country's military ruler, General
Pervez Musharraf, sent Republic Day messages to
India's leaders, saying Islamabad wants, as the
messages said, "good and tension-free" relations with
India. (Signed)
NEB/JLT/KL
25-Jan-2000 11:05 AM EDT (25-Jan-2000 1605 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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