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.

School children and contingents of the Jammu and Kashmir Police and those of the paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF) and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) marched braving the winter chill.

Several leaders including the National Conference (NC) president and former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah were present on the occasion.

Rural Development Minister Ali Mohammed Sagar in his address after the flag hosting ceremony, urged the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to restart the stalled peace process between India and Pakistan.

"We appeal to the Prime Minister to restart the peace process between the two countries so that distances between them are narrowed down," Sagar said adding "The process of peace and reconciliation between India and Pakistan has a direct bearing on the lives of the people in Jammu and Kashmir."

Meanwhile, in Assam the Republic Day celebrations also passed off peacefully.

The state Governor, Shiv Charan Mathur took salute of the Republic Day parade at the Latasil parade ground in Guwahati.

Addressing the people after the parade, Governor Mathur said that the state is committed to root out extremism from its soil, and no stone will be left unturned to fight anti-national elements operating with the support of outside organisations.

"The state government is committed to fight the anti- national forces and secure peace and stability to the citizens," he said. (ANI)