R-Day: Mounted police unit part of parade in Mumbai

A horse-mounted police unit, introduced in Mumbai after 88 years, and tableaux on various themes, including environment and wildlife, were part of the 71st Republic Day parade held at Shivaji Park in Dadar here on Sunday.

Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari hoisted the national flag at the official ceremony, where Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, state DGP Subodh Kumar Jaiswal, Mumbai Police Commissioner Sanjay Barve and others were present.

Police personnel mounted on 11 horses took part in the parade.

The mounted police unit, which would patrol the streets of the bustling metropolis, had been disbanded in 1932 due to growing vehicular traffic.

"We introduced the mounted police unit during the parade. Total 13 horses have been purchased and the police unit will include one sub-inspector and assistant sub inspector each and 32 constables. PSI Sagar Shinde is the head of the unit," DCP Pranay Ashok told PTI later.

"Horses in the unit can be used for crowd control during festivals and marches, at beaches and the rider can keep watch from a good height," he added.

Platoons of the city police, Traffic Police, Riots Control Police (RCP), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), Coast Guard and others took part in the parade.

Tableaux of different units, including the Mumbai Fire Brigade and the Indian Air Force (IAF), were also presented during the parade.

The tableaux highlighted different issues, including social and environmental. Themes like 'Save Tiger' and 'Save Water' were presented through them.