The capital will be under hawk-eye vigil in the run-up to the Republic Day with 25,000 security personnel being deployed in a massive ground-to-air security apparatus, the police said on Saturday. Snipers will be stationed atop highrises, while more than 160 CCTVs will keep a vigil on the parade route from Rajpath to Red Fort, joint commissioner of police (traffic) Satyendra Garg told reporters here.
Mobile hit teams, anti-aircraft guns and sharpshooters of the National Security Guard (NSG) will be deployed at various places along with paramilitary and Delhi police commandos.
A multi-layer security ring is already in place at Rajpath, where President Pratibha Patil will take the salute. Elaborate security and traffic arrangements have been made for the full dress rehearsal on Monday, Mr Garg added. Thailand’s first woman Prime Minister Yingluck Shina-watra, who will arrive here on a three-day official visit January 24, will be the chief guest at the Republic Day parade, which will also be attended by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and country’s top political and military brass.
“Special emphasis is being laid on anti-sabotage checks, access control measures and intelligence coordination. The entire parade route will be covered by special security and anti-terror arrangements,” said Mr Garg.
“Enhanced security also comes against the backdrop of a terror attack at the Delhi HC last September,” he added. Besides air defence measures, Indian Air Force helicopters will hover over Rajpath and the parade route. Security has been tightened at crowded markets, Metro and railway stations, bus terminals and the IGI Airport.
Checking has been intensified at all entry points of the city. All property agents and second-hand car dealers have been asked to furnish details about their recent deals, especially with customers from outside Delhi. Cyber cafe owners have also been directed to maintain records of all users.