20,000 policemen to secure Delhi on Republic Day

 In the backdrop of Mumbai terror attacks and intelligence inputs about possible strikes, security will be beefed up for Republic Day celebrations here with 20,000 gun-toting policemen being stationed across the city ahead of the national event.

Delhi Police Commissioner Y S Dadwal said the security establishment does not want to take any chance ahead of the prestigious event, especially after the Mumbai terror attacks which claimed over 200 lives.     

"After Mumbai attacks, we are not taking any chances. There are inputs (about possible strikes). We are making tight arrangements for the event," Dadwal told a press conference here.

Around 20,000 police personnel, including 5,500 from paramilitary forces, and mobile hit teams will be deployed across the city ahead of Republic Day, when the country showcases its military might. Electronic surveillance will also be increased. It has also been decided to intensify checking at borders and night patrolling, Dadwal said. There will be intensive checking not only in New Delhi district but also across the capital.

"Please, bear with us...the situation is like that. We are vigilant and lot of steps are being taken. We would like to have the maximum security," the Commissioner said. A meeting of the heads of police forces in Delhi and adjoining areas have already reviewed the security preparations in the National Capital Region (NCR) and decided to increase sharing of intelligence and information regarding criminals and gangs operating in the region.