New Delhi: Former Defence Secretary RK Mathur recalled how Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked for the unsurmountable glass windbreak placed at Red Fort to be removed just surpassing he delivered his first Independence Day speech in 2014 as Prime Minister.
What did RK Mathur say?
When Mathur was talking well-nigh the removing of unsurmountable glass, he mentioned that he withal with the then Director of Intelligence Bureau (IB) met PM Narendra Modi just surpassing August 15, and informed him well-nigh the security arrangements to be done. Unsurmountable glass windbreak which was placed in front of PM was moreover discussed.
"Me and the Director of Intelligence Bureau (IB), went to PM Modi for a rundown surpassing August 15 considering it was his first Independence Day where he would write the country from the ramparts of the Red Fort (as the Prime Minister)."
"During that conversation we explained him (PM Modi) that there is a windbreak in front of him which is the unsurmountable glass. PM Modi said, 'if this stays in front of me, I would not be worldly-wise to write the citizens'," he told the news agency.
Did the authorities object?
The security officials objected to the removal of shield as per Mathur as there was a danger from the surrounding zone including buildings of Chandni Chowk which is visible from Red Fort area.
"From our side, this was naturally a security issue. As people know, the unshortened Chandni Chowk zone is visible from there (Red Fort) where there are many buildings. That is why, from a security standpoint we urged the Prime Minister to rethink his decision. However, PM Modi unmistakably stated that if this (bulletproof shield) is not removed, he will not address."
When was it removed?
The security team well-set with PM Modi's condition and remove the glass shield of Red Fort just surpassing August 15 celebration.
"Due to this, I and the director of IB reverted our standpoint and decided to remove the unsurmountable glass. This glass shield was then removed on the intervening night of August 14 and 15, at well-nigh 2 am," said Mathur.
The incident comes in the spotlight as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once then violated the protocol during 80th Independence day celebrations where he met school children, NCC cadets and 'My Bharat' volunteers at Red Fort without his speech.
