THE INDIAN Army was set to showcase its military might, with a display of its tanks and missiles at the annual Republic Day parade in New Delhi on Thursday (January 26).
Some 25,000 security personnel, up from 15,000 last year, were scheduled to be deployed across the city, as authorities sought to keep a tight vigil over the capital.
Snipers, paramilitary and Delhi Police commandos, CCTV cameras, anti-aircraft guns and mobile squads will monitor the route of the parade between Rajpath and Red Fort, said Satyendra Garg, joint commissioner of Delhi Police.
In the run-up to the Thursday, patrolling in crowded market areas was intensified and there were additional checks at the Delhi Metro, railway stations and bus terminals. Security has also been stepped up at the international airport and along the city’s borders.
Thailand’s first woman Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra will be the chief guest at the parade, as India’s President Pratibha Patil takes the salute of marching contingents which reflect the country’s cultural diversity and military prowess.
Among the weapons to be displayed during the 90-minute event are three Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH), rocket launchers, reconnaissance aircraft and the Agni-4 missile.
The parade will commence with winners of the bravery awards, the Param Vir Chakra (PVC) and Ashok Chakra (AC), marching down Rajpath, followed by the mounted cavalry troops and contingents from the armed forces.
Three days later, the Beating The Retreat ceremony will feature 39 bands from all the three services.