President gets off the car to greet people

Kochi, Dec 19 (UNI) People waiting patiently in the sultry heat to get a glimpse of President A P J Abdul Kalam here today got a pleasant surprise when he got off his car at one point to greet them.

Dr Kalam gave some anxious moments to security personnel as he got off his car immediately after driving out from the helipad at Marine Drive here.

He waved to the people and then left for the Government Guest House.

Police had thrown a tight security cordon around the areas where the President was due to attend functions this afternoon. Vehicular traffic was stopped in these areas at least one hour before the presidential cavalcade passed by.

The pavements also were barricaded and those walking to their destinations had to walk behind the barricades.

However, at several places, people had gathered behind the barricades to catch a glimpse of the President.

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