Preparations for Republic Day 2024 are underway, authorities have issued instructions to minimise inconvenience for participants while maintaining strict security measures and urged the public to cooperate with security personnel, follow designated routes, and adhere to prescribed security protocols during the Republic Day celebrations.
Republic Day marks the adoption of India’s constitution and the country’s transition to a republic on January 26, 1950. Every year, the celebrations marking the day feature spectacular military and cultural pageantry. In New Delhi, armed forces personnel march along the Kartavya Path in an elaborate display of military might. The epic show on Kartavya Path eclipses everything else happening across the country on this auspicious day.
The celebrations, inaugurated with a grand parade, are held in the capital, New Delhi, from Raisina Hill near the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s House), along the Kartavya Path, past India Gate, and onto the historic Red Fort. On this day, ceremonious parades take place at the Kartavya Path, which is performed as a tribute to India, its unity in diversity, and its rich cultural heritage by the states of India by building beautiful tableaus.
The theme for the tableaux at the Republic Day Parade 2024 has been decided as ‘BHARAT LOK TANTRA KI MATRIKA ( Bharat – The Mother of Democracy)
A head of 75th Republic Day, full dress rehearsal was held on Wednesday across all the districts of Kashmir, giving a glimpse of the grand spectacle to unfold on Friday.
The rehearsal is a precursor to the actual Republic Day parade scheduled to be held on January 26.
In Srinagar, the full dress rehearsal was held at Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar where Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri unfurled the tricolor over the mast.
He also took salute from Parade Commander, SSP Liyaqat Ali and contingents besides inspected parade contingents.
Among others present on the occasion were IGP Kashmir, V K Birdi; Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Dr Bilal Mohid ud Din Bhat, senior officers of Police and district administration besides HoDs & staff of various departments.
In his speech, Div Com commended all participating contingents of security forces from police and paramilitary, and students regarding their preparation for the ensuing R-Day celebration.
He underlined that Kashmir has successfully hosted the G20 Summit besides other National and religious festivals.
Officials said three-tier security will be in place around the venue where the main Republic Day function is being organised; both army and the police have been asked to conduct night domination patrolling, especially on the highways connecting rural areas with the city
Security has been beefed up across Kashmir, especially in Srinagar, ahead of the Republic Day with police and other security personnel carrying out sanitisation and area domination exercises, officials said on Monday.
The main Republic Day function of J&K will be held at Jammu wherein lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha will hoist the tricolour. The adviser to Sinha will unfurl the national flag at high security zone of SK stadium.
At some places, security forces are also conducting surprise checks. Officials said three-tier security will be in place around the venue where the main Republic Day function is being organised. Both army and the police have been asked to conduct night domination patrolling, especially on the highways connecting rural areas with the city.
A senior security force officer said, “We are already on alert and want incident-free Republic Day celebrations in Kashmir.”
On Sunday evening, suspected militants had hurled a grenade in the Eidgah area of Old City, which missed the intended target and exploded on road, causing injuries to a civilian. For the past 10 days, top police officials have been convening review meetings in central, north and south Kashmir wherein security related to Republic Day celebrations topped the agenda
In Jammu and Kashmir, the government has asked its employees to attend the Republic Day function on January 26 as a part of their official duty. The main function of Republic Day, 2024 is being held at Maulana Azad Stadium, Jammu, where the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinah will preside over and take the salute. All officials of the government and Public Sector Undertakings, stationed at Jammu, have been asked to attend the function as a part of their official duty. All the Heads of Departments and Chief Executives of Public Sector Undertakings have been asked to ensure their participation and also of the employees subordinate to them in the function.
Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri said that there will be no restrictions in place on the Republic-Day 2024 and urged people to take part in the celebrations of the event.
Speaking to the media at the Srinagar office, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, said 26th January function holds a significant importance and this year there will be no restrictions in place.
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He highlighted the shift from the past when restrictions were deemed necessary for maintaining law and order. “Today, there is a vast improvement in the overall situation, so no restrictions will be imposed on January 26 this year,” he assured.
Bidhuri recalled the participation of a large number of people in last year’s celebrations at Bakshi Stadium. He also urged people to join the celebrations in large numbers this year as well.
The security forces remain prepared to address any potential disturbances promptly, emphasising their dedication to upholding order and ensuring the safety of citizens during this significant national event.