File photo: PTI
New Delhi: All these years, the Republic Day parade in the national capital used to start at 10 am sharp. This year, for the first time, the traditional extravaganza showcasing the best of India will have a delayed start.
ANI reported, quoting a senior police officer, the 2022 parade will kick off at 10.30 am.
The delay will be due to unavoidable COVID-related restrictions. Homage will also be paid to those security personnel who have lost their lives in Jammu & Kashmir.
The police officer explained that artistes who will be performing in cultural events on January 26 won’t be allowed to meet anyone due to COVID restrictions. They will travel in sanitised vehicles and will be kept isolated so that they don’t get infected by the coronavirus.
No guests from Central Asian nations
There will be no foreign guest from Central Asian countries on R-Day this year. Invitations had been sent to Heads of State of five Central Asian countries by the Indian government, but such plans have now been cancelled due to the Omicron-driven third wave of the pandemic, according to ANI.
Facial recognition system as part of security cover
New Delhi DCP Deepak Yadav informed that multi-layer security cover, facial recognition systems (FRS) and over 300 CCTVs have been installed as part of security measures for this year’s R-Day parade.
Delhi Police doesn’t want to take any chances after Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was found at Ghazipur flower market and are taking every step to fortify areas in and around Rajpath.
Only 4,000 tickets for the public
The number of people attending the parade will be severely restricted, mainly due to COVID restrictions.
“Due to COVID-related restrictions only 4,000 tickets will be available and a total of 24,000 people will be allowed to attend the event,” DCP Deepak Yadav said.
In normal years, around 25,000 people buy tickets to watch the R-Day parade.
In another first, underprivileged people have been specially invited to witness the parade, according to Republic TV.
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