New Delhi: Former Defence Secretary R.K. Mathur on Saturday recalled that before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first Independence Day address to the nation in 2014, he had got the bulletproof glass shield removed from the Red Fort, saying that he won’t be able to address the nation with it.
Mathur recalled the major protocol breach after Prime Minister Modi again broke protocol and met groups of schoolchildren, NCC cadets and ‘My Bharat’ volunteers at the Red Fort following his address during the 80th Independence Day celebrations.
Modi Story, a popular social media account on X, posted about the Prime Minister shattering the massive security protocol regarding the bulletproof glass shield during his first Independence speech at the iconic monument.
In a video post, RK Mathur said: “Me and the Director of Intelligence Bureau (IB), went to PM Modi for a briefing before August 15 because it was his first Independence Day where he would address 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 barrier in front of him which is the bulletproof glass. PM Modi said, ‘if this stays in front of me, I would not be able to address the citizens’,” he added.
The former Defence Secretary also recalled saying: “From our side, this was naturally a security issue. As people know, the entire Chandni Chowk area 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 clearly stated that if this (bulletproof shield) is not removed, he will not address.”
“Due to this, I and the Director of IB changed our standpoint and decided to remove the bulletproof glass. This glass shield was then removed on the intervening night of August 14 and 15, at about 2 a.m.,” Mathur added.
Meanwhile, a young girl bent down to touch Prime Minister Modi’s feet in respect while the latter was meeting the students. Her cap slipped off and fell to the ground. Without hesitation, PM Modi bent down, picked up the cap and gently placed it back on her head, drawing smiles and applause from those around.
The simple act of care and humility left the children visibly overjoyed.
(IANS)
