Agencies
New Delhi, Apr 9:
After soccer star Baichung Bhutia, it's now the turn of the country's first woman IPS officer Kiran Bedi to pull out of the Olympic torch relay. Bedi said the massive security build-up had robbed the event of the spirit of freedom and harmony that it stands for.
"I respect the Government's decision to organise security, but I love freedom and I cannot run in a cage," Bedi told reporters here.
Fearing trouble from protestors, the Indian Olympic Association has already shortened the length of the torch relay. Republic Day-type of security is in place for the route of the torch run marked by heavy deployment of crack commandos and paramilitary personnel.
"If there is so much fear, then let the police enforce Section 144. Why make Rajpath a Jail? It's a highly secured place. There is no need for barricades. Police ought to manage it well. They can be in plain clothes and make arrests if any miscreant interferes," said Bedi.
"I cannot run in such an atmosphere. It will be a scuffed environment," Bedi said. She termed the torch as a "symbol of freedom" and complained that its essence would be lost if the run took place with barricades all around.
"I understand we need security. But being a democratic country we ought not to suppress democratic ways. Let them demonstrate on one side and let the run happen too," said Bedi, who recently stepped down as Director General of Bureau of Police Research and Development apparently in protest against being overlooked for the post of Police Commissioner of Delhi.
Rahul Gandhi invited by IOA
Meanwhile, even as Rahul Gandhi has been invited by the IOA to carry the Olympic torch when it reaches the Capital on April 17, sources within the Congress reportedly told that the invite needs to be deliberated upon. Sources added that at present no commitment has been made on whether Rahul will carry the torch as the latter's participation in the relay could have political ramifications.
IOA President Suresh Kalmadi, who is in China, said that invitation had been sent to Rahul Gandhi, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Jitin Prasada and Sachin Pilot and he himself would personally call them on his return.
"About 50 personalities, including young politicians and film stars, will participate in the torch relay. I have sent letters to Rahul Gandhi, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Jitin Prasada and Sachin Pilot," Kalmadi said from Beijing.
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