Security beefed up ahead of leaders' protest march

Security was beefed up in the area around Parliament and President's House ahead of a protest march by Congress president Sonia Gandhi and former prime minister Manmohan Singh along with leaders of at least ten parties today.
The leaders plan to submit a memorandum to the President Pranab Mukherjee against the new land bill.
A large contingent of security personnel drawn from the Delhi Police and paramilitary forces was deployed in the area in riot gear. Barricades were set up and water cannons were also placed on the route leading from Parliament to the President's House.
Questioned over the issue, Delhi Police Commissioner B S Bassi said, "If there is a demonstration, we prohibit it. But if somebody walks why would we stop them?"

He also said that police would ensure that no violation of rules takes place. "Whatever security arrangements are required, (it) will be done."
Sources said that security agencies are likely to allow the MPs to carry out the march, but if a large number of workers join them, they may be forced to stop them as section 144 remains imposed in the area.

The march, which is expected to take place around 6-7 pm, is being coordinated by JD(U) president Sharad Yadav.
Sources in the Opposition said Congress is playing a key role in the protest including the finalisation of the draft of the memorandum, which will be submitted to President Pranab Mukherjee.

Former prime minister and JDS chief H D Deve Gowda, CPI(M)'s Sitaram Yechury, CPI's D Raja, Trinamool Congress leader Dinesh Trivedi, SP's Ramgopal Yadav, DMK's Kanimozhi, INLD's Dushyant Chautala and RJD's Prem Chand Gupta are expected to take part in the march.
Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad is coordinating the draft finalisation from the Congress side.