Afghans mark independence amid security

President Hamid Karzai paid homage on Monday to millions of Afghans who died fighting foreign occupation as the capital Kabul marked 83 years of independence from Britain amid tight security. But the traditional military parade was cancelled to save money.

Thousands descended on Kabul Sports stadium to watch martial arts and parachute displays, a student parade and firing of old rifles seized from the British.

Key roads leading to the stadium were closed to all except government officials, foreign diplomats, journalists and pass holders. Afghan soldiers in olive uniform and about 12 Mohammad Zahir Shah, now a father figure to Afghans, inaugurated the celebrations in front of tens of thousands of clapping onlookers. Karzai paid homage to those who had died fighting Soviet occupation in the 1980s. (Reuters)