Tight security in Delhi ahead of Republic Day

Thousands of security personnel will fan across the national capital in the run-up to the Republic Day celebrations to keep a tight vigil over the city to ensure that no untoward incident takes place.

New Delhi: Thousands of security personnel
will fan across the national capital in the run-up to the
Republic Day celebrations to keep a tight vigil over the city
to ensure that no untoward incident takes place.

Elaborate security and traffic arrangements have been
made for the Republic Day parade on January 26 and its full
dress rehearsal this Sunday, Satyendra Garg, Joint
Commissioner of Police (Traffic), told reporters here today.
"All arrangements have been made. 150 companies (15,000
personnel) from paramilitary and other state forces will be
deployed besides Delhi Police personnel. Another 1,500 traffic
policemen will also be on streets," he said.

A massive ground-to-air security apparatus has been put
in place for the parade.

Snipers will be deployed at high-rise buildings while
around 100 CCTVs will keep a tight vigil on people`s movement
between Rajpath and Red Fort, the route of the parade which
showcases India`s military might and cultural diversity.
Mobile hit teams, anti-aircraft guns and sharpshooters of
National Security Guards will be deployed at various places
while paramilitary and Delhi Police commandos will keep a
close watch.

A multi-layer security ring has already been put in place
at Rajpath, where President Pratibha Patil will unfurl the
tricolour and take the salute of marching contingents.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will be
the chief guest at the parade, which will also be attended by
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the country`s top political
and military brass.

"A special emphasis is being laid on anti-sabotage
checks, access control measures and intelligence coordination.
The entire route of the parade will be covered by special
security and anti-terror arrangements.
"Elaborate air defence measures, including deployment of
anti-aircraft guns, have also been taken to check intrusion of
air space," a senior police official said.

Besides the air defence measures, helicopters of the
Indian Air Force will hover around Rajpath and all along the
route of the parade.

Patrolling in crowded market areas has been intensified
and checking and frisking in Metro, railway stations and bus
terminals tightened. Security at the IGI airport was also
strengthened in coordination with the CISF.

Checking and frisking have also been intensified at all
entry points with police setting up barricades to keep a vigil
on all those entering the capital.

PTI

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