NEW DELHI, India: India paraded its latest military hardware, including Russian-made T-72 tanks, amid strict security along a route lined by hundreds of thousands of spectators Sunday in celebrations of the nation becoming a republic in 1950.
The chief guests were Greek Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou and his wife. They were joined by President Zail Singh, Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and members of the diplomatic corps and Parliament.
As a security precaution because of recent violence in the wake ‘Sikh demands for a separate in the predominantly Sikh state of Punjab. Tanks in the parade were required to lower their guns and point them away from the guests ‘as they crossed the presidential saluting base. Soldiers were also required to remove the working parts of their rifles.
For a second straight year, the Indian President did not take the Traditional open horse-drawn carriage ride but instead travelled in a bullet-proof limousine with Papandreou. But Gandhi, who last year rode in a closed car, arrived in an open jeep.
Singh watched from a raised platform fitted with bullet-proof glass on either side. Gandhi, his wife Sonia and the Papandreou’s were seated in the same enclosure.
Tanks on parade included the latest model Soviet T72. Soviet Union is the main weapon supplier to India.
The day marks January 26, 1950, when India adopted its constitution and became a republic three years after gaining independence from Britain.
Metal detectors were placed at the entrance to the enclosure and every individual was searched before entering the enclosures Plainclothes police officers mingled with the crowds, and black-clad commands with submachine guns stood near the VIPs.
Helicopters showered rose petals on the crowd at the start of the parade, watched by hundreds of thousands of spectators lining the route.
Also participating were Para military police forces, school children, and singers and dancers from several states.
Article extracted from this publication >> January 31, 1986
