DHAKA: France’s state of emergency imposed after last year’s terror attacks in Paris is likely to be extended.

France Prime Minister Manuel Valls has told the BBC.

He said the measures were needed to “protect our democracy”.

Valls was speaking on the first anniversary of the attacks by Islamist militants, in which 130 people died.

President Francois Hollande is marking the first anniversary of the Paris attacks by unveiling plaques commemorating the victims.

Starting with the Stade de France and ending with the Bataclan concert hall, Hollande and the Mayor of Paris will visit the six sites targeted in the attacks, paying tribute to the victims.

On Saturday - the eve of the anniversary of the massacre - the Bataclan reopened with a performance by British artist Sting.

The singer told the audience, including survivors of the attack, that they had to honor the dead and celebrate life.

A minute’s silence was held at the renovated venue for those killed in the attacks on the French capital by jihadists from so-called Islamic State.

On 13 November 2015, a group of jihadists launched coordinated attacks on the Stade de France and restaurants filled with people on a Friday evening.

The Bataclan concert hall was the scene of the deadliest attack. Three gunmen entered the venue and fired on the crowd, killing 90 people.

BDST: 1536 HRS, NOV 13, 2016
RR