"Around 20,000 security personnel were deployed across the city while the commandos of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police and Delhi police kept vigil at important locations." 

These words actually come from a report in the Indian Express on the Republic Day parade of 26 January 2008 ('India showcases military prowess': IE 27 January). Yet they accurately describe the immense security bandobast for the Olympic torch run of 17 March in Delhi!  

There is of course one vital difference between the two occasions. On 26 January, there were tens of thousands of cheering spectators watching the parade even as security personnel stood guard against attacks by terrorists such as Lashkar e Toiba and HUJI. But on 17 March there were no spectators at all, even as security personnel guarded a thrice-doused 'holy torch' against possible demonstrations by Tibetan refugees, and under the watchful eyes of Chinese security men. 

After this craven display of subservience before China, how can India call itself a land of independence, of freedom?
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