The clampdown at India Gate, in the wake of the protests following the rape incidents now has come as a huge disappointment for tourists and visitors. Among them, foreign tourists are the worst affected as they are also denied entry to the memorial owing to security reasons.
Over a fortnight, the Delhi Police has imposed Section 144 of CrPC following widespread protests after the rape cases in Delhi in recent times. Restriction on public entry has been affecting livelihood of vendors, who thrive on visitors at India Gate.
Additional security personnel have been deployed and barricades have been erected to prevent people going inside the lawn beyond C-Hexagon. Disappointed with the restrictions visitors keep staring at the monument from the distance for sometimes. later, they get themselves clicked with the India Gate in back ground and head to nearby places with heavy heart.
No entry to the memorial is leading the crowd to nearby tourists attractions including Humayun’s Tomb, Zoo and Purana Qila ot some opt for shopping in Khan Market. “It is very disappointing. The Government can at least allow tourists to enter. I am staying in a hotel at Gurgaon and it’s a loss if one has to come all the way from there to find India Gate closed. I don’t want to ruin my day so I have asked my guide to take me to Khan Market so that I can shop” said Irina, a tourist from Russia.
“I have visited all the places in Delhi and I have been here for a week and everyday I keep hoping that the seal will be removed. I feel unlucky as right now I am in front of it but I am not allowed to have a close and personal view. My husband and I have planned to go back to the hotel. Quite disappointing one must say,” a tourist Sundstrim from Scotland said.
The smile on the face of tourists eventually faded as they were not allowed to venture anywhere near it. “It’s our first time here in Delhi and we will be here only for two days, India Gate was the first thing we wanted to see but sadly it’s closed. We will now go to the Zoo as that is the only place where we can spend with our family and also the nearest” said Paridhy, a visitor, who had come from Bangaluru.
An ice-cream vendor said, “It’s a huge loss for all of us here. The crowd that usually surrounds the area here day and night is placed by a number of armed security personnel. This is my bread and butter. India Gate has been closed for more than ten days I am not even able to get a proper meal,” he said.