Oman Daily Observer

Security tightened in Delhi ahead of Republic Day

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NEW DELHI: Security has been beefed up ahead of Republic Day with thousands of policemen and antiaircra­ft guns deployed at strategic points in view of intelligen­ce inputs about threats from terror groups to some important installati­ons in the city.

Special security arrangemen­ts have been made at Rajpath where President Pranab Mukherjee, the Commanderi­n-Chief of the three forces — army, air force and navy — will take the salute.

“In view of the terror threat, over 25,000 policemen have been deployed in Delhi,” Joint Commission­er of Police (JCP) Deependra Pathak said.

“The police teams will also be deployed in crowded markets, bus stops, railway stations, airport and malls,” Pathak said.

The officer also said that the VIP, VVIP routes, dignitarie­s, public enclosures, peripheral, inner and outer areas of Delhi will be provided massive security cover.

“The bordering areas of DelhiNCR will be closely monitored through CCTV cameras,” the officer said.

Pathak added that Delhi Police has taken all safety measures based on intelligen­ce inputs about terror threats to some vital installati­ons.

Elaboratin­g on the arrangemen­ts made at Rajpath, Pathak said: “Our teams will also be deployed in plaincloth­es, specially near the parade route and within VIP enclosures.”

Besides Delhi Police, thousands of personnel from paramilita­ry forces have also been pressed for security duties. Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan, who is the Chief Guest at this year’s Republic Day function, will be seated on the dais along with President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“No visitor without valid card will be allowed at security check points to see the parade,” Pathak said.

He appealed to the people to inform police in case they see any unidentifi­ed object or suspicious activity. A senior police official requesting anonymity said: “Security personnel have been given clear instructio­ns to bring down any aerial object flying without permission.”

As a precaution­ary measure, light machine guns (LMGs) have been positioned at several points along the parade route.

“Specially trained police personnel with LMGs have been deployed at several strategic spots in New Delhi area,” the police official said.

“A ‘ NOTAM’ (Notice to Airmen) will also be declared for a few hours on Republic Day, during which no flights will land or take off at the Indira Gandhi Internatio­nal Airport,” the officer said.

 ?? — Reuters ?? Soldiers on camel back take part in a rehearsal ahead of the Beating the Retreat ceremony in New Delhi on Tuesday.
— Reuters Soldiers on camel back take part in a rehearsal ahead of the Beating the Retreat ceremony in New Delhi on Tuesday.

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