The historic Red Fort is preparing to host its first major event following a recent blast in its vicinity, prompting heightened security measures. The event commemorates the 350th death anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, with an anticipated attendance of nearly 50,000 people. The Delhi government is scheduled to host a kirtan darbar from November 23rd to 25th, with several VVIPs expected to attend, including President Droupadi Murmu and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Just weeks before the planned commemoration, a blast, triggered by what authorities suspect was a suicide bomber, claimed the lives of 15 people. The incident led to the busting of a "white-collar" terror module spanning Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Despite the recent tragedy, preparations for the Guru Tegh Bahadur anniversary event have continued, with organizers determined to proceed.
Security has been significantly strengthened in and around the Red Fort. The Delhi Police have installed an additional 25 CCTV cameras on the roads leading to the monument. The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) has also set up 250 to 300 cameras to maintain round-the-clock surveillance. A multi-layer security grid involving the CISF, Delhi Police, bomb squads, and other agencies has been deployed to conduct thorough checks of all visitors. Security has been heightened at all border points in Delhi, including the Ghazipur Border between the national capital and Uttar Pradesh. Measures have also been tightened in several key areas in New Delhi.
Jasmain Singh Noni, Secretary of the DSGMC, emphasized that preparations for the event never stopped, even after the blast. He stated that the Delhi Police have assured maximum security, and the DSGMC has installed hundreds of CCTV cameras around the Red Fort to maintain vigil. While some people were initially apprehensive about traveling to Delhi, organizers reassured them, and now over 50,000 attendees are expected.
Visitors have expressed confidence in attending the commemorative events despite the recent blast. One visitor, Paramjeet Singh Chadha, stated that such incidents cannot shake their faith and that they are not afraid. Another visitor, Amrit Singh, said her family feels secure due to the enhanced security arrangements and that the significance of the anniversary is immense for them.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken custody of three doctors and a preacher linked to the Red Fort blast. The number of accused in the "white-collar" terror module has reached six, revealing a doctor-driven radical network. The NIA has already arrested two people, Amir Rashid Ali and Jasir Bilal Wani. A Pakistani politician has publicly claimed Pakistan's involvement in the Red Fort blast, saying terror groups carried out the attack as retaliation for India's alleged actions in Balochistan. Following the explosion near Delhi's Red Fort Metro Station, the Central Railway has tightened security across major railway stations in Mumbai and surrounding areas. Delhi Metro has advised passengers to reach stations early due to enhanced security arrangements.
