NEW DELHI, Jan. 26 APP: As India is celebrating its 59th Republic Day, a military parade was held here Saturday amid tight security, putting on display country’s latest weapons including missiles, fighters, tanks and guns.
Indian President Pratibha Patil, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Cabinet members, politicians, prominent figures and members of diplomatic missions witnessed the parade which also includes stalls depicting culture of different states. The visiting French President Nicolas Sarkozy was the Chief Guest on the occasion.
The parade which held on Rajpath was marked with display of Agni missiles, Brahmos, T-90 battle tanks, the Israeli-upgraded 155 MM artillery, and fly-past of Jaguars, MIG 29 and Su-30 fighters and helicopters. The parade culminated at the historic Mughal monument of Red Fort.
Tight security arrangements were in place due to intelligence warning of possible
strikes by militants. The area was declared a no-fly zone.
Around 20,000 security personnel were deployed in the national capital and commandos were positioned along the rotes of the parade.
Anti-aircraft guns were also deployed to check intrusion of airspace.
Security at entry points, airports, railways stations, bus terminals and crowded markets were beefed up.
President Pratibha Devisingh Patil addressing the nation on the eve of Republic Day said India was contributing to regional and global peace and stability.
Terrorism has posed a grave threat to the civilized world, she said adding
continuing terrorist attacks are reminders of the need to take collective action. India will continue to work with the international community to create a better world a world free of terror, poverty, disease, ignorance and inequality.
Pratibha Patil pointed out that India is faced with internal threats from Naxalism and terrorism. Naxalites exploit sentiments of discontentment in the undeveloped parts of the country. The growth of Naxalism should be handled firmly.
India is progressing at a faster rate, however, she said the slow growth in theagriculture sector is a matter of concern. There was need to address social evils like child marriage, female foeticide, female infanticide and dowry.
She pointed out the benefits of the upsurge in the economy had not reached under-privileged and the disadvantaged sections of the society.
She said “corruption is an evil that afflicts our system and we have to eliminate it. Every Rupee meant for development that goes out of the system due to corruption is a Rupee less for our development programmes. The country cannot afford the loss of resources meant for its development. We must strengthen measures for the removal of corruption by bringing about greater transparency.