The 60th anniversary of India's independence was observed with traditional fervour in West Bengal amid unprecedented security.
Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya unfurled the tricolour opposite the state secretariat, Writers Buildings, watched by members of his government and senior officials.
The administration stepped up security after two Laskhar-e-Toiba terrorists were arrested on Monday from Hingalgunge in North 24 Parganas district after sneaking in from Bangladesh with a consignment of explosives.
The arrest of the two, believed to be Pakistanis from Karachi, cause a scare. On Tuesday, divers examined the water body opposite the state secretariat ahead of the unfurling of the tricolour.
A man was arrested at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose airport here Tuesday on suspicion.
Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee unfurled the tricolour at a separate function.
Meanwhile, in another function at a hotel in Kolkata, the Indian football team, who would play Saudi Arabia in the AFC Asian Cup on Aug 16 here, celebrated the day.
Baichung Bhutia, who returned to the team as captain, unfurled the tricolour amid celebrations by his teammates.
Numerous programmes and cultural and welfare activities were marked across the state. Governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi took part in separate celebrations, including one at Beliaghata in north Kolkata.
{{/usCountry}}Numerous programmes and cultural and welfare activities were marked across the state. Governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi took part in separate celebrations, including one at Beliaghata in north Kolkata.
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