Republic Day, Tractor March Keep Cops On Toes; Delhi Turns Into Fortress Under Five Layer Security Cover

Cops will not be getting any relief even after the truncated celebrations of Republic Day and will be maintaining vigil over the Kisan Gantantra Parade.

Republic Day Security: Delhi will be witnessing two major events unfolding- Republic Day celebrations at Rajpath and the tractor rally of farmers. Security cover in the national capital has been tightened in the view of the tens of thousands of tractor parading across the city on the day of national importance. The national capital has been transformed into a garrison city with deployment of thousands of security personnel in central Delhi and several border points to prevent any untoward incident. Cops will not be getting any relief even after the truncated celebrations of Republic Day and will be maintaining vigil over the Kisan Gantantra Parade.

Patrolling has been intensified at power substations in Delhi following a threat from the banned Sikhs for Justice outfit to disrupt the city's supply during the Republic Day celebrations.

A five-layer security cover comprising of border pickets, inner, middle and outer security has been deployed in and around the city.

Farmers’ tractor march:

Though the Samkyukt Kisan Morcha, an umbrella body of 41 unions leading protests against the Centre's farm laws, has said their tractor parade will not enter central Delhi and it will start only after the official Republic Day parade on Rajpath concludes, heavy patrolling has been ensured.

The unions said around two lakh tractors are expected to participate in their parade, which will move into the city from three border points--Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur (UP Gate).

According to the unions, there is no limit on vehicles. An official said around 6,000 security personnel have been deployed to maintain vigil. Facial recognition systems have also been set up at vantage points for suspect identification, the official said.

President, PM to mark event; Hawk-eyed vigil over Rajpath

The security personnel are keeping a hawk-eyed vigil over Rajpath, where President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be celebrating the occasion along with other dignitaries and thousands of people.

Checking and frisking at Rajghat will be done by personnel in PPE kits, with mask and face shield, keeping in line with COVID-19 protocols, the official said. A five-layer security cover has been deployed in and around the city to maintain law and order, a senior police officer said. Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Eish Singhal said more than 6,000 police personnel have been deployed at Rajpath for the Republic Day celebrations.

Following COVID protocols, only 25,000 people will be allowed to attend the ceremony at Rajpath as opposed to over one lakh spectators who usually attended the event every year, he said.

The parade will be shorter this year. Instead of marching up to the Red Fort, the parade will end at the national stadium. Only tableaux will be allowed at the Red Fort, he said.