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Tag: Red Fort

  • SC affirms death penalty in Red Fort attack case

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday affirmed the death penalty of LeT terrorist Mohammad Arif alias Ashfaq in the 2000 Red Fort attack case in which three persons, including two Army jawans, were killed. 

    A bench of Chief Justice U U Lalit and judges S R Bhat and Bela M Trivedi rejected the review petition against top court’s 2011 ruling, saying the aggravating circumstances evident from the record and the fact that there was a direct attack on the unity, integrity and sovereignty of India, completely outweigh any other factors in favour of Arif.

    “There is nothing on record which can be taken to be a mitigating circumstance in favour of the review petitioner. The suggestion that there is a possibility of retribution and rehabilitation, is not made out from and supported by any material on record,” the bench said in its order. 

    In his plea, Arif had contended the courts had not considered any possibility of retribution and rehabilitation or that he would continue to be a threat to the society.  Arif was arrested for the attack on December 22, 2000 under various provisions of IPC, Arms Act, 1959, Foreigners Act, 1946 and Explosive Substances Act, 1908. He was convicted by the trial court in 2005.

    NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday affirmed the death penalty of LeT terrorist Mohammad Arif alias Ashfaq in the 2000 Red Fort attack case in which three persons, including two Army jawans, were killed. 

    A bench of Chief Justice U U Lalit and judges S R Bhat and Bela M Trivedi rejected the review petition against top court’s 2011 ruling, saying the aggravating circumstances evident from the record and the fact that there was a direct attack on the unity, integrity and sovereignty of India, completely outweigh any other factors in favour of Arif.

    “There is nothing on record which can be taken to be a mitigating circumstance in favour of the review petitioner. The suggestion that there is a possibility of retribution and rehabilitation, is not made out from and supported by any material on record,” the bench said in its order. 

    In his plea, Arif had contended the courts had not considered any possibility of retribution and rehabilitation or that he would continue to be a threat to the society.  Arif was arrested for the attack on December 22, 2000 under various provisions of IPC, Arms Act, 1959, Foreigners Act, 1946 and Explosive Substances Act, 1908. He was convicted by the trial court in 2005.

  • Check out top quotes from PM Modi’s speech on 76th Independence Day at Red Fort

    By Online Desk

    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the national flag and addressed the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of India’s 76th Independence Day. The August 15 ceremony is particularly significant this year as it marks 75 years of India’s Independence from British rule

    Notably, this was Prime Minister’s ninth address to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort.

    Here are the top quotes from PM Modi’s speech at the Red Fort while addressing the nation:

    On freedom fighters 

    “Our country is grateful to Gandhiji, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Ramprasad Bismil, Rani Laxmi Bai, Subash Chandra Bose, and all other freedom fighters who shook the foundations of the British Empire. We salute not only those who fought for freedom, but also the architects of free India such as Jawaharlal Nehru, Ram Manohar Lohia and Sardar Vallabhai Patel, amongst the many others.”

    The Prime Minister also said that India has been home to great thinkers like Vivekanand, Aurobindo and Rabindranath Tagore. “Our heroes like Rajendra Prasad, Jawaharlal Nehru, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, Lal Bahadur Shastri fought for our independence and moulded our country.”

    On women

    Modi said that every Indian is filled with pride when they remember the strength of the women of the country – be it Rani Laxmibai, Jhalkaribai, Chennamma, Begum Hazrat Mahal.

    He also gave a powerful message to the nation to take a pledge. “It’s important that in speech and conduct, we do nothing that lowers the dignity of women,” he said.

    “I have one request to every Indian. Can we change the mentality towards our women in everyday life? The pride of Nari Shakti will play a vital role in fulfilling the dreams of India. It is important that in our speech and conduct, we do nothing that lowers the dignity of women. Respect for women is an important pillar of India’s growth. We need to support our ‘Nari Shakti.”

    READ HERE | Self-obsessed government hell-bent on trivialising freedom fighters’ sacrifices: Sonia Gandhi

    On unity

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for unity among people while pointing out that sometimes the country’s talent is restricted by its language barriers, urged countrymen to be proud of every language. “Sometimes our talent is restricted by language barriers. This is an example of Imperialism. When we are connected to our roots, then only can we fly high; and when we fly high, we will provide solutions to the entire world,” asserted the Prime Minister in his address to the nation today.

    “Community spirit has risen again in the last few years. For the last three days, the entire country has marched with tricolour,” he said adding that “India has seen a lot of ups and downs in the last 75 years. There have been sorrows as well as achievements in these years. We faced natural calamities, wars and other problems. But unity in diversity became our guiding power.”

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi (middle) salutes the Indian flag at the 17th-century Mughal-era Red Fort on 76th Independence Day in New Delhi. (Photo | PTI)

    On Green Jobs

    Prime Minister said there are multiple employment opportunities opened with the creation of Green Jobs.

    “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisaan, Jai Vigyaan, Jai Anusandhan – as we celebrate 75 years, we need to follow this mantra that was given to us by Lal Bahadur Shastri and later tweaked by Atal Bihari Vajpayee.” 

    He also took aim at the evils and sought the people’s cooperation to fight them. The Prime Minister said that the country needs to shift its mentality from “Bhai-Bhatijawad” and Parivaarwad (nepotism) and give an opportunity to the citizens who deserve it.

    On corruption

    Addressing the country from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the country’s 76th Independence Day, the Prime Minister said that there is no place for corruption in our society and that the people of the country need to come together as a society to punish those who have propagated the evil of corruption. “Today the nation shows anger towards corruption, but not the corrupted. Until and unless, people have the mentality of penalizing the corrupt, the nation cannot progress at optimum pace.” 

    ALSO READ | On I-Day, Modi hails military’s contribution in realising Aatma Nirbhar Bharat in defence sector

    On nepotism

    “Another evil we need to come together against is nepotism. We need to give opportunities to those who are talented and will work towards the progress of the nation. Talent will be the basis of a New India. To cleanse every institute of India, let’s shift our mentality from ‘Bhai Bhatijawad’ and Parivaarwad and give an opportunity to the citizens who deserve it.”

    On Panchpran

    Modi also asked the citizens to focus on what he said, “In coming years, we’ve to focus on ‘Panchpran’- First, to move forward with bigger resolves and resolve of developed India; Second, erase all traces of servitude; Third, be proud of our legacy; Fourth, strength of unity and fifth, duties of citizens which includes the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers.

    READ HERE | PM Modi speaks of five resolves to make India developed nation by centenary year of Independence

    On digital India

    “Today, we are seeing the Digital India initiative, startups grow in the country, and a lot of talent is coming from Tier 2 & 3 cities. We have to believe in our abilities.”

    He said India’s “techade” is here as the government is focusing on technologies such as 5G, semiconductor manufacturing and optical fibre cables. These technologies, PM Modi said, will bring about a revolution at the grassroots level. 

    “Governments too have to work on the knife’s edge to fulfil these aspirations.”

    On Commonwealth Games 2022

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the people to and praised India’s ‘stellar’ performance in the recently concluded Commonwealth Games 2022. “Our stellar performances at international sporting events are an example of India’s shining talent. We need to promote and support such talent.”

    In his address for the 76th Independence Day at the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon the collective spirit of 130 crore of “Team India”, to take the country forward and ensure that it is a developed nation in the next 25 years.

    (With inputs from ANI and PTI)

    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the national flag and addressed the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of India’s 76th Independence Day. The August 15 ceremony is particularly significant this year as it marks 75 years of India’s Independence from British rule

    Notably, this was Prime Minister’s ninth address to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort.

    Here are the top quotes from PM Modi’s speech at the Red Fort while addressing the nation:

    On freedom fighters 

    “Our country is grateful to Gandhiji, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Ramprasad Bismil, Rani Laxmi Bai, Subash Chandra Bose, and all other freedom fighters who shook the foundations of the British Empire. We salute not only those who fought for freedom, but also the architects of free India such as Jawaharlal Nehru, Ram Manohar Lohia and Sardar Vallabhai Patel, amongst the many others.”

    The Prime Minister also said that India has been home to great thinkers like Vivekanand, Aurobindo and Rabindranath Tagore. “Our heroes like Rajendra Prasad, Jawaharlal Nehru, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, Lal Bahadur Shastri fought for our independence and moulded our country.”

    On women

    Modi said that every Indian is filled with pride when they remember the strength of the women of the country – be it Rani Laxmibai, Jhalkaribai, Chennamma, Begum Hazrat Mahal.

    He also gave a powerful message to the nation to take a pledge. “It’s important that in speech and conduct, we do nothing that lowers the dignity of women,” he said.

    “I have one request to every Indian. Can we change the mentality towards our women in everyday life? The pride of Nari Shakti will play a vital role in fulfilling the dreams of India. It is important that in our speech and conduct, we do nothing that lowers the dignity of women. Respect for women is an important pillar of India’s growth. We need to support our ‘Nari Shakti.”

    READ HERE | Self-obsessed government hell-bent on trivialising freedom fighters’ sacrifices: Sonia Gandhi

    On unity

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for unity among people while pointing out that sometimes the country’s talent is restricted by its language barriers, urged countrymen to be proud of every language. “Sometimes our talent is restricted by language barriers. This is an example of Imperialism. When we are connected to our roots, then only can we fly high; and when we fly high, we will provide solutions to the entire world,” asserted the Prime Minister in his address to the nation today.

    “Community spirit has risen again in the last few years. For the last three days, the entire country has marched with tricolour,” he said adding that “India has seen a lot of ups and downs in the last 75 years. There have been sorrows as well as achievements in these years. We faced natural calamities, wars and other problems. But unity in diversity became our guiding power.”

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi (middle) salutes the Indian flag at the 17th-century Mughal-era Red Fort on 76th Independence Day in New Delhi. (Photo | PTI)

    On Green Jobs

    Prime Minister said there are multiple employment opportunities opened with the creation of Green Jobs.

    “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisaan, Jai Vigyaan, Jai Anusandhan – as we celebrate 75 years, we need to follow this mantra that was given to us by Lal Bahadur Shastri and later tweaked by Atal Bihari Vajpayee.” 

    He also took aim at the evils and sought the people’s cooperation to fight them. The Prime Minister said that the country needs to shift its mentality from “Bhai-Bhatijawad” and Parivaarwad (nepotism) and give an opportunity to the citizens who deserve it.

    On corruption

    Addressing the country from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the country’s 76th Independence Day, the Prime Minister said that there is no place for corruption in our society and that the people of the country need to come together as a society to punish those who have propagated the evil of corruption. “Today the nation shows anger towards corruption, but not the corrupted. Until and unless, people have the mentality of penalizing the corrupt, the nation cannot progress at optimum pace.” 

    ALSO READ | On I-Day, Modi hails military’s contribution in realising Aatma Nirbhar Bharat in defence sector

    On nepotism

    “Another evil we need to come together against is nepotism. We need to give opportunities to those who are talented and will work towards the progress of the nation. Talent will be the basis of a New India. To cleanse every institute of India, let’s shift our mentality from ‘Bhai Bhatijawad’ and Parivaarwad and give an opportunity to the citizens who deserve it.”

    On Panchpran

    Modi also asked the citizens to focus on what he said, “In coming years, we’ve to focus on ‘Panchpran’- First, to move forward with bigger resolves and resolve of developed India; Second, erase all traces of servitude; Third, be proud of our legacy; Fourth, strength of unity and fifth, duties of citizens which includes the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers.

    READ HERE | PM Modi speaks of five resolves to make India developed nation by centenary year of Independence

    On digital India

    “Today, we are seeing the Digital India initiative, startups grow in the country, and a lot of talent is coming from Tier 2 & 3 cities. We have to believe in our abilities.”

    He said India’s “techade” is here as the government is focusing on technologies such as 5G, semiconductor manufacturing and optical fibre cables. These technologies, PM Modi said, will bring about a revolution at the grassroots level. 

    “Governments too have to work on the knife’s edge to fulfil these aspirations.”

    On Commonwealth Games 2022

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the people to and praised India’s ‘stellar’ performance in the recently concluded Commonwealth Games 2022. “Our stellar performances at international sporting events are an example of India’s shining talent. We need to promote and support such talent.”

    In his address for the 76th Independence Day at the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon the collective spirit of 130 crore of “Team India”, to take the country forward and ensure that it is a developed nation in the next 25 years.

    (With inputs from ANI and PTI)

  • India never posed threat to any country; has followed Sikh Gurus’ ideals: PM Narendra Modi

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: India has never posed a threat to any country or society and it thinks for the welfare of the entire world even today amid global conflicts, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday, asserting that the country is following the ideals of Sikh gurus.

    Addressing an event from the Red Fort to celebrate the 400th birth anniversary of Sikh Guru Tegh Bahadur, Modi said the Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib near the Red Fort stands a symbol of the immortal sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur.

    “This holy Gurudwara reminds us how great was the sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur ji to protect our great culture. At that time there was a storm of religious fanaticism in the country. India, which considered religion as a matter of philosophy, science and self-reflection, was facing people who had committed violence and atrocities in the name of religion,” he said.

    At that time, there was a great hope for India to save its identity in the form of Guru Tegh Bahadur, he noted. “In front of Aurangzeb’s tyrannical thinking, Guru Tegh Bahadur ji, becoming ‘Hind di Chadar’, stood like a rock,” Modi said.

    Red Fort is witness that Aurangzeb and tyrants like him might have beheaded many people but our faith could not be separated from us, the prime minister said. “The sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur has inspired many generations of India to live and die to protect the dignity of their culture, for its honour and respect. Big powers have disappeared, big storms have calmed down, but India still stands immortal and is moving ahead,” Modi asserted.

    “India has never posed a threat to any country or society. Even today we think for the welfare of the whole world. When we talk about a self-reliant India, we keep the progress of the whole world in front of that goal,” he said.

    The prime minister also released a commemorative coin and postage stamp to mark the occasion. The programme was focussed on highlighting the teachings of the ninth Sikh guru who sacrificed his life to protect religion and human values, ideals and principles in world history.

    Guru Tegh Bahadur’s death anniversary is commemorated as ‘Shaheedi Divas’ every year on November 24. Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib, built at the spot where he was beheaded, and Gurdwara Rakab Ganj, the site of his cremation, in Delhi are associated with his sacrifice.

    His legacy serves as a great unifying force for the nation. The fort was chosen as the venue for the event as it was from here that Aurangzeb had given orders for the execution of Guru Tegh Bahadur in 1675, according to Ministry of Culture officials.

    The event also saw performances by 400 Sikh musicians and a langar was also held.

  • Guru Tegh Bahadur birth anniversary: PM Narendra Modi to address nation from Red Fort after sunset

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation from the Red Fort on Thursday night to mark the 400th birth anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the first prime minister to deliver a speech at the Mughal-era monument after sunset.

    Modi will be addressing the nation from the lawns of the Red Fort and not its ramparts.

    The fort was chosen as the venue for the event as it was from here that Mughal ruler Aurangzeb had given orders for the execution of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, in 1675, according to officials of the culture ministry.

    The ramparts of the Red Fort is from where prime ministers addresses the nation on Independence Day. Prime Minister Modi will speak at 9:30 pm on Thursday and his speech will be about interfaith peace and harmony among communities, according to the officials.

    Other than Independence Day, this is the second time that Modi will be making a speech from the monument. In 2018, he had hoisted the national flag at the monument and commemorated the 75th anniversary of the formation of the Azad Hind Government by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

    His address on this occasion was at 9 am. The Thursday event will have performances by 400 Sikh musicians and there will also be a langar. Modi will also release a commemorative coin and postage stamp to mark the occasion, the officials said.

    Close to the Red Fort, is the Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Chandni Chowk. It was built at the site where Guru Tegh Bahadur was beheaded by the Mughals, they said, adding that Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib, which is near Parliament, was built at his cremation site.

    Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday will start off the event, which will be attended by 11 chief ministers and prominent Sikh leaders from across the country. The families of 400 Sikh ‘jathedars’ have also been invited, including those from the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

  • PM Modi unveils roadmap of new India with ambitious schemes; warns of terrorism, expansionism

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Outlining the roadmap for a new and assertive India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced a slew of development programmes, including a landmark Rs. 100 lakh crore “Gatishakti” initiative to boost infrastructure and employment opportunities.

    In his eighth consecutive address from the ramparts of Red Fort on the 75th Independence Day, Modi called for making the next 25 years glorious for India with “new thresholds, aspirations and dreams” in the run up to the centenary of its independence from British colonial rule.

    Modi also said India is fighting the challenges of terrorism and expansionism with great courage and astuteness.

    He asserted that India does not hesitate in taking tough decisions and has political will to do so.

    “India has given a stern signal to its enemies by conducting surgical and air strikes. This tells us that India is changing and can take the most difficult decisions and isn’t reluctant to implement them,” he added.

    During his nearly 90-minute speech, the prime minister, who wore a traditional kurta and a churidar complemented by a blue jacket and a red-patterned saffron headgear, also called for a review of rules and procedures across the country so that every process that creates a hindrance for people and the country is removed.

    “Yahi samay hai, sahi samay hai, Bharat ka anmol samay hai (This is the moment, it is the right moment, It is precious time for India),” he said, reciting a poem at the end of his speech. Modi also added weight to his oft-quoted slogan ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’, by adding a new call — Sabka Prayas (everyone’s effort), saying this would be very important for the achievement of all the country’s goals.

    Stating that the world acknowledges India’s political will for big reforms, he noted that the country has received record foreign investment with its forex reserves at an all-time high.

    Drawing a roadmap for the all-round development of India and its people, he said India has to march ahead with new pledges for the next 25 years.

    “We have to ensure we meet our goal of building Aatmanirbhar Bharat when we celebrate 100 years of India’s Independence.”

    Modi said the ‘Pradhan Mantri Gatishakti National Master Plan’ will develop the possibilities of new future economic zones.

    The Rs. 100 lakh crore programme will lay the foundation of the overall infrastructure in the country including in transport, reducing travel time and productivity, he said.

    The initiative will lead to development of future economic zones.

    He also announced the setting up of a National Hydrogen Mission to make India the new global hub of green carbon-free hydrogen fuel and its largest exporter, as he set a target of 2047 for India to achieve self-reliance in energy.

    In other announcements, Modi said the government will fortify the rice distributed to the poor via different schemes such as Midday Meal in a bid to address the problem of malnutrition.

    He also said 75 ‘Vande Bharat’ trains will connect different parts of the country in 75 weeks to mark the ongoing ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’.

    Stressing that he has full faith in the youth of the country, Modi said this is a “can-do generation” which can achieve every goal.

    Giving the slogan of ‘Chhota kisan bane desh ki shaan (small farmers should become India’s pride)’, Modi cited various schemes including transfer of money to assert that his government has prioritised the interest of small farmers who account for more than 80 per cent of the farming community.

    Keeping small expenses in mind, the government is implementing the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) under which more than Rs 1.5 lakh crore has been transferred into the bank accounts of over 10 crore farmers, he added.

    The prime minister also said reservation is being ensured for Dalits, STs, backwards and general category poor, and emphasised that the hand-holding of deprived communities is necessary.

    He also talked about boosting rail connectivity in the northeast region, saying very soon the job of connecting the capital cities of the northeastern states by rail will be completed.

    Asserting that the Jal Jeevan Mission aims to provide tap water connections to all rural households by 2024, Modi said over 4.5 crore new households received piped water connection under it in the last two years.

    On other issues, he said the development of Jammu and Kashmir is visible on the ground, adding that the delimitation exercise is on and preparations are underway for assembly polls there.

    He also said it is unprecedented the way UDAN scheme was connecting far-flung areas of the country and the speed at which new airports are being built.

    Describing the New Education Policy as a means to fight poverty, he said it will focus on encouraging teaching in regional languages.

    The nature of international relations, Modi said, changed after the Second World War and there is a possibility of a new world order in a post-coronavirus pandemic scenario.

    Addressing the gathering held under the shadow of Covid with social distanced seating, Modi stressed that the day should not be merely a ceremony.

    People can take pride that the world’s largest Covid vaccination programme in going on in the country, he said.

    He lauded doctors, nurses as well those involved in vaccine manufacturing and others involved in fighting COVID-19.

    The pain of partition was one of the greatest tragedies of the last century, the prime minister said while asserting that August 14 will be remembered as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day.

    Modi began his address, hailing the contribution of Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and B R Ambedkar, among others, in nation building.

    He also lauded India’s Olympic contingent, which was present at the Red Fort, and said their performance encouraged the youth of the country.

  • PM Modi extends greetings to countrymen on 75th Independence Day

    By ANI

    NEW DELHI: Extending greetings on the occasion of the 75th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ will infuse new energy and new consciousness among the countrymen.

    “Greetings to you all on Independence Day. May this year of the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ infuse new energy and new consciousness among the countrymen. Jai Hind!” tweeted PM Modi.

    Prime Minister will lead the Independence Day celebrations from Red Fort on Sunday. He will hoist the national flag and deliver the customary address to the nation.

    The country is celebrating ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, marking the 75th year of Independence, amid patriotic fervour. A series of events are being organised across the country to mark the occasion.

  • Heavy security cover in Delhi as India celebrates her 75th Independence Day

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: A hawk-eyed vigil will be maintained across the national capital on the 75nd Independence Day on Sunday with a multi-layered security cover in place at the historic Red Fort from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation.

    Security cover has been beefed up in the city and forces are on high alert to thwart any untoward incident as police have intensified patrolling and deployed extra pickets at vital installations.

    Borders have also been sealed to ensure no untoward incident takes place in the national capital and strict action will be taken against anyone who tries to disrupt the law and order situation, police officials said.

    The multi-layered security ring, including NSG snipers, elite SWAT commandos, kite catchers, canine units and sharpshooters on high-rise buildings, has been placed around the Mughal-era fort, and adherence to social distancing norms will be must like last year due to the Covid pandemic.

    According to the police, anti-drone systems have also been installed at the Red Fort in view of the recent terror attack at the IAF station in Jammu airport where Pakistan-based terrorists used drones to strike the vital installation for the first time.

    India’s Olympic contingent are the special guests at the Red Fort on August 15.

    Over 350 cameras have been installed and their footage is being monitored round-the- clock through two police control rooms situated in and around the fort area, police said.

    There are around 5,000 security personnel at the monument and they will adhere to social distancing norms, they said.

    The Delhi Police had erected a huge wall of shipping containers decorated with graffiti for the first time earlier this month at the main gate of Red Fort for security reasons.

    The containers have been placed in such a way that no one will be able to see inside the premises of the fort when the prime minister addresses the nation.

    Nobody will be able to peek inside the fort from Chandani Chowk and adjoining areas, the police said.

    The move comes after many farmer protesting against farm bills reached the Red Fort driving tractors and entered the monument on January 26 and hoisted a religious flag.

    Over 70 police vehicles — including PCR vans, ‘PRAKHAR’ vans and QRT (Quick Reaction Team) vans — have been stationed at the area as part of the security deployment along with intensified patrolling by police personnel on motorcycles, the police said.

    Patrolling on motorboats is being carried out in the Yamuna river by the Delhi Police to ensure no untoward incident takes place in the city.

    Security arrangements have also been tightened at the Delhi borders where thousands of farmers have been protesting for over seven months against the centre’s new agri laws.

    The police have already carried out anti-sabotage checks in the area and visited hotels in the vicinity in search of suspicious elements, officials said, adding security verification of the residents, including tenants and servants, has also been conducted.

    The Red Fort has already been closed for public, officials said.

    Police personnel have been asked to keep an eye in the sky to ensure that no stray kites are seen in the area during Independence Day celebrations.

    The Delhi Traffic Police had also issued an advisory for the function at the Red Fort to ensure safe and smooth flow of vehicles across the city.

    Eight roads — Netaji Subhash Marg, Lothian Road, SP Mukherjee Marg, Chandni Chowk Road, Nishad Raj Marg, Esplanade Road and its Link Road to Netaji Subhash Marg, Ring Road from Rajghat to ISBT and Outer Ring Road from ISBT to IP flyover — will be closed for general public from 4 am to 10 am, the advisory said.

    Flying of sub-conventional aerial platforms like para-gliders, para-motors, hang gliders, UAVs, micro light aircraft, remotely piloted aircraft, hot air balloons, small size powered aircraft, quadcopters or para-jumping from aircraft are prohibited over the jurisdiction of National Capital Territory of Delhi up to August 16.

    The Delhi Police had seized a drone flying near Vijay Ghat, the backside of the Red Fort.

    The Jaguar highway patrolling team of north district was keeping a vigil in the area on Monday when it saw the drone near Vijay Ghat.

    A web series was being shot there, police said, adding permission was granted to shoot the show but sanction had not been given to fly a drone.

    A case was registered under relevant sections at Kotwali police station and the device seized.

  • Cabinet Secretary warns officers of action if they fail to attend Independence Day event at Red Fort

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba has warned officers invited for the Independence Day function at the Red Fort that a “serious view” will be taken if they fail to attend the event.

    In a communication to the secretaries of all Union ministries and departments, Gauba said the Independence Day flag hoisting ceremony at the Red Fort, from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also address the nation, has its own significance and the officers invited for the function are expected to attend.

    “It has been observed that some of the invited officers fail to attend the ceremony. This is inappropriate considering that the occasion is of great national importance. There is clearly a need to remind the officers that it is their duty to attend the Independence Day ceremony,” he said.

    In his letter, Gauba also said that in view of social distancing requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic, officers of only joint secretary level and above have been invited for the ceremony this year.

    “You may suitably advice all officers of your ministry/department, who are invited to the independence day ceremony, to attend the function.

    You may also like to caution them that a serious view can be taken of their absence on this occasion,” Gauba told the secretaries.

  • PM Modi to invite Olympic contingent to Red Fort on August 15, interact with them at his residence

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will invite India’s Olympic contingent to the Red Fort as special guests on August 15 when he will deliver his eighth straight independence day speech.

    Official sources said Modi will also invite them to his residence for interaction.

    India has been represented by a 228-strong contingent, including over 120 athletes, at the ongoing Tokyo Olympics.

    Modi has been regularly offering words of encouragement to the team and has also spoken to many of them.

  • Redevelopment of Red Fort crossing complete, junction ready for use: Officials

    According to officials of SRDC and the PWD, the redevelopment of the Red Fort crossing has been completed and the junction is ready to be used.