Tight security for Republic Day in the Capital

Following numerous terror attacks across the country, the national capital New Delhi has been put under high alert and stringent security measures have been put in place ahead of the Republic Day on January 26.

Police men and other security personnel have been deployed in all major tourists destination in the city, and commuters have been asked to keep their identity proof along with for verification.

Added security apparatus and through arrangements have been made to prevent any untoward incident. Police also conducted security checks on private and public vehicles plying across the city.

On Friday morning, traffic has been diverted from areas around India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhawan viewing the Republic Day parade rehearsal. The event in which India will showcase its military mighty would be attended by country’s top political and military leadership.

The central government has also asked states to keep tight vigil amid threats from various extremist and insurgent groups those pose a serious threat to national security.

‘The period before and after the Republic Day is an especially vulnerable period, Government of India has sensitised State Governments and has asked them to remain at the highest level of alertness,’ a Ministry of Home Affairs press statement said.

The Union Home Ministry has also sought the cooperation of people in preventing and countering terrorist threats and appealed to the people to report suspicious activities and movement of suspicious persons in their neighbourhood to the local police.

The security forces will be able to discharge their duties more effectively if they have the fullest cooperation of the people, the press communiqué added.

ANI adds: A multi-layer security ring will also be thrown around Rajpath, where President Pratibha Patil will unfurl the tricolour and take the salute of marching contingents.

Mobile hit teams, anti-aircraft guns and sharpshooters of the National Security Guards (NSG) will be deployed at various locations while paramilitary and Delhi Police commandos will keep a tight vigil along the route of the parade.

All police heads in the National Capital Region have been directed to ensure that calls made to any of the Police Control Rooms in the region regarding a crime falling in the jurisdiction of another force should "immediately be shared" with the concerned PCR.