'Security concerns in Old Delhi area'; Delhi police's denial of permission for Palm Sunday procession

NEW DELHI: Delhi Police denied permission for the Palm Sunday procession towards the Sacred Heart Cathedral in the national capital on Sunday, citing security reasons. Permission was sought to conduct a 12-kilometer Palm Sunday procession from St. Mary's Church in Old Delhi to the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Ashok Place.

Father Francis Swaminathan, vicar of Sacred Heart Cathedral Church, stated that the police denied permission this time, citing security reasons. Since permission was denied, the faithful performed the Stations of the Cross on the cathedral grounds at 3:30 pm.

It is reported that the intelligence report didn't favour the procession, citing the ongoing protests in the Old Delhi area against the Waqf Amendment Bill. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have previously visited the Sacred Heart Cathedral.

“The Delhi Police did not permit the Stations of the Cross due to security reasons. Even permission was denied for the procession on Saturday on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti.’ Said MoS George Kurian.