Top alert in Delhi, state capitals for R-Day celebrations

With intelligence inputs warning of threats posed by LeT and other militant groups, security establishments in Delhi and the state capitals today went on top alert.

New Delhi: With intelligence inputs warning
of threats posed by LeT and other militant groups, security
establishments in Delhi and the state capitals today went on
top alert putting in place a ground-to-air apparatus to thwart
any attempt to disrupt the Republic Day celebrations.

A heavy security blanket was thrown around the capital
with snipers and mobile hit teams fanning across the city and
nearly 15,000 police and paramilitary personnel being deployed
to guard the 8-km-long route of the Republic Day parade and
other key installations. Anti-aircraft guns have also been
stationed in certain crucial areas.

The security measures have been planned keeping in view
intelligence inputs including Pak-based Lashker-e-Taiba
acquiring over 50 para-gliding equipment which could be used
to launch an air-borne suicide attacks.

A close vigil has been mounted in Jammu and Kashmir to
ensure that Republic Day functions in the border state passed
off peacefully.

Strict security arrangements have also been made in
Naxal-hit regions and in the eight north-eastern states where
calls for boycott of tomorrow`s functions have been given by
some militant groups.

In Delhi, a ground-to-air security apparatus has been put
in place for the celebrations and a tight vigil was being
maintained between Vijay Chowk and Red Fort through which the
parade showcasing the country`s diversity and military prowess
will pass through.

"192 companies (over 15,000) police and paramilitary
personnel are being deployed on the parade route," Delhi
Police Commissioner Y S Dadwal told reporters here. This is in
addition to resources available with New Delhi and Central
Delhi police districts.

"Pickets are everywhere and extensive checking is being
carried out," Dadwal said.

A senior police official said a multi-layer security ring
will be put in place at Rajpath, where President Pratibha
Patil will unfurl the tricolour tomorrow and take the salute
of marching contingents.

In Mumbai, which witnessed terror attacks in November
2008, and other parts of Maharashtra, a high alert has been
sounded to prevent any terror strike.

Elaborate security arrangements have also been made
in Naxal-infested areas in view of tomorrow`s bandh calls
given Maoists in Maharashtra and other states.

"We are taking all precautionary measures to ensure
peaceful celebrations on R-Day," N S Jagtap, spokesperson of
the police in Maharashtra`s Gadchiroli district, which has
been hit by the Naxal menace, said.

A senior police officer in Mumbai said all district
police chiefs have been asked to be on top alert. They have
also been asked to co-ordinate with Coast Guard, Navy and
Traffic police and Railway police forces wherever needed.

Security has been tightened at railway stations, airports
and major installations in Mumbai, police said.

Mumbai Joint Police Commissioner (Law and Order),
Himanshu Roy said apart from ground security in the city,
aerial vigilance is also being given the right priority.

PTI

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