Indian Army T-90tanks pass through the Rajpath during the 67th Republic Day Parade in New Delhion Jan. 26./ Source=AP=Yonhap News

1

By Ha Man-joo, India correspondent, AsiaToday - As India celebrated its 67th Republic Day at the Rajpath in New Delhi on January 26, tight security has been maintained across the country.

The attendance of French President Francois Hollande as the guest of honor India's Republic Day celebrations was a good reason for tight security. India has been alerted on ISIS terror plots as the French President stroke back at IS after deadly terror attack that took place in Paris in November last year.

Ahead of this, India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested 14 suspected Islamic State (IS) supporters or sympathizers in a nationwide crackdown on terror suspects. Some have even stated that they were planning to attack the country on the eve of Republic Day.

Through several meetings, French President Hollande and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the strengthening of cooperation against terror. In his Republic Day address, Indian President Pranab Mukherjee said, "No difference can be made between good and bad terrorists and all forms of terrorism and manner of support to them need to be completely eradicated."

Police were posted every 20 meters across New Delhi. Snipers as well as the National Security Secret Service (NSG) and the Indian army were deployed to shoot if they spot suspicious activity around Rajpath.

Unmanned aerial vehicles and Indian air force's radar were mobilized, and 300 CCTV cameras were additionally installed in Delhi city. Security at all vital installation across the city, especially at railways, Metro stations, airports, bus stops, and markets,  were heightened. Delhi Police installed a wireless integrated public address (WIPA) system at 31 crowded places and in 13 major metro stations to enhance security.

Indianmilitary and police armed forces are on a full alert across Delhi city duringthe Republic Day parade on Jan. 26./ Photographed by Ha Man-joo

1

Around Rajpath, 65 CCTV cameras with 36x optical zoom capability were installed covering the enclosures. A glass roof was installed over the enclosures to protect the VVIPs from rain, cold weather, and case of terror.

This year's parade was 25 minutes shorter than usual. The duration has been brought down to 90 minutes from 115 minutes, but there were much attractions. Army dogs marched down the Rajpath after 26 long years. 36 dogs out of total 1,200 Labradors and German Shepherds were selected for the event.

An all-women stunt contingent  comprised of 120 soldiers performed stunts on bikes for the first time. French Army contingent and a 136-member military band of the French Army marched for the first time as foreign military contingent, receiving applause.