Delhi to be security fortress for Republic Day celebrations

Delhi will turn into a security fortress next Tuesday for the 60th Republic Day celebrations in the backdrop of intelligence inputs about Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) acquiring over 50 para-gliding equipment which could be used to launch an air-borne suicide attacks.

A ground-to-air security apparatus will be put in place for the celebrations here while over 15,000 security personnel will keep a tight watch between Vijay Chowk and Red Fort, the 8 km long route through which the parade showcasing the country's diversity and military prowess passes through.

Elaborate traffic arrangements have also been made for Tuesday. Vehicles will not be allowed to enter the parade route while Metro services will be curtailed.

Mobile hit teams, anti-aircraft guns and sharpshooters of the national security guards (NSG) will be deployed at various
places while paramilitary and Delhi Police commandos will keep
a close watch along the parade route.

Snipers will be deployed at high-rise buildings while a total of 105 CCTVs have been installed to keep a vigil on people's movement between Rajpath and Red Fort.

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

The intelligence input has set off alarm bells ringing among the security forces as this innocuous sporting gear could become a lethal weapon in the hands of LeT, which carried out the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

"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 possible
intrusion of air space," the official said.

Besides, helicopters of the Indian Air Force will hover over the areas around Rajpath and all along the route of the parade, he added.

Patrolling in crowded market areas has been intensified and checking and frisking in Metro trains, 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.