Extensive security blanket in place in country for Independence Day
NEW DELHI: Extensive security arrangements have been made for the Independence Day celebrations allover the country with extra attention in the national capital here and sensitive states of Jammu and Kashmir, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh.
Keeping in view heightened terror threat perception in the country, a multi-tier ground-to-air security ring is being created to defeat any possible bid from terrorists or anti-national elements at the Red Fort-the venue of the main function, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unfurl the tricolour and address the nation, a senior police officer said.
Equipment and arrangements that are in place to secure the VVIP zone, included the deployment of drones and paragliders for aerial surveillance, apart other traditional means. Entire areas around the Red Fort, have been put under a massive surveillance, residents and even beggars, trees, almost everything will be under the radar of security agencies. Leaves of police personnel have been cancelled for ensuring adequate strength for deployment.
More than 40,000 security personnel have been deployed across the national capital to avert any possible terror attack.The Union Home Ministry has already issued a high security alert in view of the recent terror attacks in Gurdaspur and Udhampur. The security has been tightened in and around Red Fort, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be delivering his second Independence Day Address.
Security personnel have also been asked to keep available sufficient bullet-proof jackets in every PCR van as a precautionary measure. As many as 3,000 trees are trimmed in and around the venue for providing better visibility of scene. Authorities are also maintaining extra vigil in the wake of a threat call received in NOIDA that reportedly threatened of possible blast in the capital on the national day.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort tomorrow on the occasion of Independence Day. He has sought suggestions from public for his speech and messages inviting suggestions have been put on some of the government websites.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh took a security review meeting at his residence this morning. Our correspondents who took a tour of the city this morning found elaborate security arrangements have been made in the national capital ahead of the celebrations.
Delhi has been turned into a fortress. Extra check posts have been established in and around the city to ensure safe environment for celebrations. Not only areas around the Red Fort are under massive security cover but also the whole city. A multi tier ground to air security ring has been put up around Red Fort to thwart any untoward incident.
Paragliders and drone detectors are deployed around the Red Fort for the first time. Delhi police has already prohibited aerial activities including para gliding and hot air balloons till 10th of October. Policemen along with paramilitary forces are keeping watch on crucial spots like railway stations, bus stations, airport and metro stations.
Sniffer dogs have been pressed into service. The city’s borders have been sealed. Parking facilities are not available at Delhi Metro stations from 6 this morning till 2 PM tomorrow.
