Srinagar, Jan. 30 : A large number of people took to streets in Srinagar to protest detentions of various separatist leaders since Jammu and Kashmir State Assembly elections were held here.

The slogan shouting protesters were led by a senior seperatist leader Shabir Ahmed.

"Till the time our leaders are not released from house arrest, we will continue to protest," said Ahmad, a Muslim League leader.

Local security personnel had to use tear gas after the protesters resorted to heavy stone pelting on them.

Srinagar, Jan. 30 : The Kashmiri walnuts, widely known for their superior quality and taste, are not only popular across the country but also in different parts of the world. But many people related to this walnut industry here are disappointed these days.

Just when Kashmir''s walnut kernel had begun doing brisk business in the international markets, recession hit and its rates tumbled, resulting in heavy losses to the growers, traders and exporters.

Srinagar, Jan. 28 : Two militants including a key Al Badr terrorist, were gunned down in three separate encounters in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday. A soldier also lost his life during one operation.

The first encounter broke out on Tuesday evening when militants, hiding in a house, opened fire on security forces during a search operation in Amargarh village.

The on-off firing operation continued till dawn when security forces killed the lone militant hiding in the house. He was identified as Al Badr ultra Abu Hamza.

Srinagar, Jan. 26 : Despite a boycott call given by the extremists, Republic Day was celebrated with great patriotism and fervour on Monday here.

The main programme was held at the Bakshi Stadium where the state's Rural Development Minister Ali Mohammed Sagar unfurled the national flag and took the salute.

Defying the boycott call, people came out in large numbers to witness the flag hoisting ceremony followed by a colourful cultural programme.

Srinagar/Jammu/ Ludhiana/Delhi, Jan. 25 : Vigilance, surveillance and allied security measures have been strengthened in several parts of north India, and especially in sensitive cities like Srinagar, Jammu and Ludhiana ahead of Monday''s Republic Day celebrations.

Security forces frisked passers-by and searched vehicles on Satruday in areas near the Bakshi Stadium, including Lal Chowk, Exhibition Crossing, Budshah Chowk, Wazir Bagh, Haft Chinar, Rambagh and Iqbal Park, sources said.

The Divisional Commissioner of Srinagar, Masood Samoon, told reporters that all security arrangements are in place.

Srinagar, Jan 24: In the leadership of senior separatist Hurriyat leader Zaffar Akbar Bhat, separatists staged a peaceful protest in Kashmir to demand the release of their house-arrested leaders on Saturday.

Authorities in the state had detained some separatist leaders who wereallegedly inciting people to boycott the seven-phased assembly elections in the disputed Himalayan region that took place between November 17-December 24 but the voters defied the boycott call and turned out in large numbers.