It was 'day of policemen' at Red Fort

New Delhi, Aug 15 (UNI) It was more of a sea of securitymen than citizens this year with a spate of 'threat perceptions' from all quarters, leaving authorities with little choice except to make movement for the 'aam admi' prohibitively restricted.

And those few who managed to hear the Prime Minister speak from the Lal Qila ramparts, called themselves 'blessed' after having to go through a string of winding lanes and seemingly hour-long searches before reaching the 'venue'.

All this, not before one had to pass through four check-points during a rather one-kilometre walk to finally hear the Prime Minister.

****** For policemen, it was sweaty eyebrows and armpits all the way.

Their incessant 'search and frisking' and the scorching sun left them with little respite from the day's heat.

But as the PM's speech started, the guards were lowered and one could see several lunging for the water bottle.

By the end of the function, they did manage to score a smile for themselves. The unusual break into a chat gave the message -- of having done their job well.

****** The sniffer dogs, along with hogging the limelight near the main Red Fort entrance where VIPs alighted, wandered in small 'teams' in the Chandni Chowk and Town Hall area.

Day for them had begun even before children, guests, VIPs had arrived on the scene, as the area had to be sanitised before the all clear signal could be given.

While the PM gave his speech, these senitals on four legs sniffed and searched for suspicious objects, with armed guards in tow.

****** For children from schools, it was another tiring day. The very early morning wake-up, dressing up for the occasion, rushing to the 'spot', last minute rehearsing and then waiting in the sun for the VIP to arrive said a lot through their dreary eyes.

For the small ones, in tri-olour attire, it was fun but pain as well. ''Mazaa bhi aa raha hai,'' as one 6-year-old said, but for most, it was the experience which mattered. ''Mujhe accha laga,'' said a Class IV student.

****** The lanes of Chandni Chowk, where life rarely stops to rest, were deserted till almost mid-day.

Except for sleeping men on sideways and a 'chaiwala' far and away with hardly a couple in attendance, it was like a walk in wilderness.

Of course, from top floors, one could hear TV sets echoing the Prime Minister but hardly any other sign of life.

****** The only exception, of course, was string of kite sellers on pavements. In the deserted bylanes they were the only 'oasis' of colour and life. Designer kites, paper kites, plastic kites, strip kites and above all 'tiranga' kites -- all adorned the small area where the 'shop' lay.

Amused children, though very few, layed their hands on the stock which was to make their day before it was school once again.

Shopkeeper Mahesh said, ''Today's favourite is definitely 'tiranga'. All other days, colourful ones score over anything, but today the flavour of the day is the 'tiranga'. I expect to make a big kill.'' ****** UNI AN PK BS1203