Country gears up to celebrate 75th I-Day with fanfare; full dress rehearsal held in Bhubaneswar

Commemorating the nation’s independence from British rule, India is all set to celebrate its 75th Independence Day this year with fanfare.

A full dress rehearsal was held in Bhubaneswar on Saturday ahead of the I-Day celebrations in which different troupes including police officials participated in the parade rehearsal.

Director General of Police (DGP)  Sunil Kumar Bansal said, “We are going to hold 75th Independence Day celebrations after two days. It’s an important occasion for everyone including the police department. Like last year, this year too three platoons apart from a band platoon have participated in parade"

Speaking on the security arrangements in Maoist-prone areas, the DGP said, “Special arrangements have been made in Maoist-affected areas. Special squads have been deployed to foil ultras’ planning to mar the Independence Day celebrations in those areas. Besides, SOG jawans have been deployed as part of our measures to make the celebration violence-free”, added DGP.

Meanwhile, Delhi police have also made an elaborate security arrangement at the Red Fort from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation on the 75th Independence Day. More than 10,000 police personnel will be deployed to keep a close vigil on celebrations.

Besides, extra police forces have been stationed at sensitive places, including metro stations, railway stations, airports and prominent markets to make the I-Day celebrations violence-free. Also more than 400 kite fliers have been deployed at the Red Fort and nearby areas to contain balloons and kite-flying.