As Pakistan observes its 69th Independence Day on Friday, the neighbouring country's flags were seen in Srinagar, a day before India celebrates its freedom.
The Pakistani flags were seen in the old city of Srinagar, ANI news agency reported. It is likely to raise tensions in Kashmir Valley.
Hoisting of Pakistan's national flags as well as that of the Islamic State (Isis) has become a common occurrence in the restive areas of Kashmir Valley on Fridays.
Anticipating law and order problems, authorities imposed restrictions on celebrations of Pakistan's Independence Day in several areas of Srinagar on Friday, IANS reported.
Pakistan flag seen in Old city of Srinagar (J&K). pic.twitter.com/C3F3o1cSKq
— ANI (@ANI_news) August 14, 2015
Authorities are especially watching separatist leaders and have reportedly placed Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umer Farooq under a house arrest.
Meanwhile, separatist Asita Andrabi was also seen waving Pakistani flags in the Kashmir Valley.
Srinagar: Asiya Andrabi and her supporters wave Pak flag in the valley pic.twitter.com/v56ra9hYsz
— ANI (@ANI_news) August 14, 2015
Will Support Kashmir Leaders: Pak Envoy
Pakistan's High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit said on Friday that his country would continue to support the leaders of valley fighting for "self-determination" and called for a resolution on the Kashmir issue.
"Pakistan will continue its full support to the people and leaders of Kashmir in their legitimate struggle to self determination. India and Pakistan must resolve the Kashmir issue," Basit said at the Pakistan high commission in Delhi on Friday, IANS reported.
No Exchange of Sweets Across Border
The frayed Indo-Pak relations over the past few months led to the cancellation of the traditional exchange of sweets across the border on both the countries' Independence Day this year.
"Neither sweets nor gifts will be offered or taken on 14 August, Pakistan's Independence Day and on 15 August, the day when India got freedom in 1947. The decision has been communicated to field formations," Border Security Force officials were quoted as saying.
PM Modi Wishes Pakistan on Independence Day
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to wish Pakistan on its Independence Day.
Greetings & good wishes to the people of Pakistan on their Independence Day.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 14, 2015
In a decision that could defuse tensions between the neighbouring nations, Pakistan's national security adviser Sartaj Aziz had on Thursday announced that he would visit India on 23 August for the NSA-level talks with his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval.
