Even as the streets and markets started getting deserted early on the eve of Independence Day, a confidence building march was carried out by the state director general of police and other senior officers in the heart of Srinagar [Images].

A cavalcade of bullet-proof vehicles passed through the main roads in high security areas in uptown Srinagar with DGP Gopal Sharma stopping at strategic points to cross check the security arrangements and also restore confidence among locals.

Thousands of paramilitary troops and police who are on high alert have been deployed in large numbers at scores of check points and barricades that have been put in place to check the movement of militants.

Both factions of the separatist All Parties Hurriyat Conference have called for a general strike on Tuesday.

An overwhelming presence of paramilitary and police marked all sensitive installations in Srinagar.

Roads and lanes leading to the Bakshi stadium, where the main Independence Day function will be held on Tuesday, were completely sealed off on Monday morning.

Police and Central Reserve Police Force troopers have taken over security of all high rise buildings around the Bakshi stadium where Chief Minister Ghulam [Images] Nabi Azad will unfurl the tricolour and take salute.

"The stadium will have a three-tier security," said a police officer in Srinagar.

All vehicles passing through Srinagar are subjected to thorough checking at the mobile checking points of CRPF.