Delhi under heavy security for farmers’ rally, R-Day

The national capital turned into a fortress with thousands of armed personnel deployed on Rajpath and several border points which has been brought under multi-layered security cover in view of Republic Day celebrations as well as the proposed tractor parade by farmers on Tuesday. Protesting farmers' unions opposing the three contentious farm laws said their parade will not enter Central Delhi and it will start only after the official Republic Day parade concludes.

The unions claimed that 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).

For Republic Day celebrations, an official said around 6,000 security personnel have been deployed to maintain vigil. Facial recognition system of Delhi Police has also been set up at vantage points for suspect identification, an official said.

Checking and frisking staff deployed at Rajghat will be done by personnel in PPE kits, with masks and face shields, keeping in line with Covid-19 protocol, the official added.

Sharpshooters and snipers will also be deployed on the top of high-rise buildings to keep a watch on the eight-km-long parade route on Rajpath.

Following Covid protocol, only 25,000 people will be allowed to attend the ceremony on Rajpath

as opposed to over one lakh spectators who usually attend the event every year.

The parade will also be shorter this year. Instead of marching up to Red Fort, the parade will end at National Stadium and only the tableaux will be allowed to perform at Red Fort.

A five-layer security cover comprising border pickets, inner, middle and outer security has been deployed in and around the city to maintain law and order during the

Republic Day ceremony and the proposed tractor parade.

"We have 140 CCTV cameras across the Republic Day parade route and along the enclosures. We have identified and set up facial recognition systems at 30 identified spots at the Rajpath from where the public will enter.

"This system is fed with a database of nearly over 50,000 people, including that of suspected terrorists, criminals and antisocial elements," said another senior police officer.