KARACHI: In connection with `Independence Day` `prabhat pheries` were taken out this morning [Jan 26] and at some places attempts were made to hold flag hoisting ceremonies. The city police appeared on the scene in all cases and some arrests were made. The city observed partial `hartal`. The cotton, grain and seed markets as well as municipal offices and schools remained closed. Students of a number of schools and colleges refrained from attending classes.

Yesterday evening the police arrested under the Defence of India Rules a student leader named Sobho Gianchandani. The police at Kotri are reported to have carried out several house searches and arrested two persons from whose possession Congress bulletins were seized.

[Meanwhile in Gauhati,] owners of all firearms and ammunition are to surrender them along with the licences at the nearest Police Stations by February 7 in Kamrup district, except the towns of Gauhati, Barpeta, Palasbari and Nalbari under a notice issued by the District Magistrate. The notice adds that the weapons and ammunition will be stored away by Government at a safe place and returned to the owners either at the termination of hostilities or earlier if thought fit. Dawn Delhi