Srinagar, Jan 26 (IANS): The Kashmir Valley was Saturday far less tense than in previous years despite a separatist call to shun India's Republic Day celebrations.

Banks, post offices, government offices and educational institutions were shut in Srinagar and other parts of the valley on account of government holiday.

Fearing separatist reprisals, public transport stayed off the roads and so did most people.

But as security forces began withdrawing from around sensitive installations, life limped back to normalcy with small markets in local areas opening and private transport returning to most areas.

Kashmir has been witnessing unprecedented tensions around Jan 26 for over 20 years because of the ongoing separatist violence.

This year, despite the recent tensions on the Line of Control between India and Pakistan, there was far less tension.

Most streets were dotted with security personnel and vehicles in Srinagar in the morning. As the official functions ended, the security presence became less conspicuous.