26 January 2005	Wednesday	15 Zilhaj 1425

NEW DELHI, Jan 25: Security was stepped up across India for Wednesday's celebrations marking Republic Day, a national military and cultural showcase but also a target for terrorists.

Huge crowds gather in the federal and state capitals to watch parades and fly-pasts. President Pervez Musharraf sent a message to his Indian Counterpart, Abdul Kalam, looking towards peace with New Delhi.

"I sincerely hope that our two countries would be able to resolve all outstanding issues, including (occupied) Jammu and Kashmir, peacefully through the ongoing composite dialogue," President Musharraf said in a statement.

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz sent a similar message to Indian Premier Manmohan Singh, saying, "I am confident that given the political will, the two countries would be able to lay a solid foundation for durable peace, progress and prosperity of peoples and indeed the entire South Asia."

The pomp of Republic Day, which is also the biggest official holiday of the Year in India, has become a major target for myriad militant groups which reject the day as a symbol of Delhi's unwanted dominance. -AFP