For
people it was just a change of guard. But for Army, it was an emotional
moment. At a solemn ceremony on December 22 last at the Red Fort, Defence
Minister, Mr George Fernandes handed over the Red Fort to Archaeological
Survey of India (ASI) in order to facilitate its restoration.
The 4 Sikh Light Infantry battalion, which was one of
the first Indian Army units to have occupied the fort after the British
left in 1947, presented a guard of honour to Defence Minister on
the occasion. Presenting a memento with a ceremonial key to the Minister
of Tourism and Culture, Mr Jagmohan, Defence Minister admitted, "This
is a very emotional moment for the Army. It stayed here for an era. But
the fort will now be used to present a glimpse of India’s history to the
world.". Mr Jagmohan praised Army for vacating the fort for
renovation and said, "it is a historic decision"
"Shifting out is an emotional thing. But, national
interest comes first," said Gen NC Vij, Chief of the Army Staff. A
plaque unveiled by the two Union Ministers echoed the same sentiment which
reads: "The Red Garrison was vacated in the national interest for
reviving its old glory and presenting it as an epitome of rich Indian
architecture and history." Mr Vijai Kapoor, Lieutenant Governor of
Delhi, Mr Ajay Prasad, Defence Secretary and other civil and military
dignitaries were present on the occasion .
Built between 1650 and 1656,
the Red Fort was the seat of power of Mughal Emperors till India came
under the British rule. The fort housed top British authorities before
they moved to Lutyen’s Delhi .However, the British army continued to
stay here till August 1947.
