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Beating Retreat cancelled, PM to tour Gujarat on Monday: UNI

Monday's Beating Retreat, a ceremonial function which marks the culmination of the Republic Day celebrations, has been cancelled this year because of the earthquake in Gujarat, a defence ministry spokesman has said.

This is perhaps for the first time that the ceremonial performance by bands of the army, navy and air force at the Vijay Chowk has been called off.

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee will be leaving on Monday to tour the quake-hit areas. Traditionally, the prime minister is always present at the Beating Retreat ceremony where the chief guest is the President.

Meanwhile, President K R Narayanan has cancelled a private visit to Jaipur beginning Tuesday because of the tragedy.

A Rashtrapati Bhavan spokesman said the President was to leave on Tuesday and return on February 2 but has put off the visit.

Rajasthan which borders Gujarat has been making major efforts at providing relief to its neighbour.

It is also learnt that the President will not be hosting the cultural performers, who come for the Republic Day Parade, at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday evening in view of the tragedy.

Some other functions related to the Republic Day celebrations have also been called off. Several ministers in the Union government have put off visits because of the trauma that Gujarat is going through.

UNI

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EXTERNAL LINKS
The RD Killer Quake of Jan 26, 2001: Technical details
All about earthquakes in India and their impact
India Meteorological Department's earthquake reports
Disaster relief set-up in India
Major earthquakes across the world in recent times
A post-quake volunteer's unusual tryst with the departed
Earthquake News: Web site offering comprehensive news, information and features
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USGS: Earthquake Hazards Program

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