— Photo: Sandeep Saxena

TAKING NO CHANCES: A security man keeps a tight vigil at the Red Fort in New Delhi on Saturday.

NEW DELHI: Commandos of the National Security Guards and Delhi police will strengthen security in and around the Red Fort in the wake of the intelligence warning of possible terrorist attacks during Independence Day celebrations.

Quick reaction teams will also be deployed at various strategic points to foil any fidayeen attack. The area around Red Fort has been declared a "no fly zone" for the entire duration of the function and movement of trains near the Red Fort would also be stopped at the time.

Special Commissioner of Police (Security and Armed Police) Ajay Chadha said the general public would be put through a series of checking at various points. Items like mobile phones, cameras, bags, water bottles and transistors have been banned at the venue.

The Police Control Room vans have been put on high alert and patrolling has been intensified in various areas, particularly around the Red Fort.

Security of various vital installations in the capital, the Indira Gandhi International Airport, railway stations, Metro Rail stations, cinema halls, inter-State bus terminals and crowded markets, has also been intensified.

Vigil has been increased within the high security New Delhi zone.

At railway stations, checking of luggage has been intensified and a close watch is being kept on the passengers with the help of closed-circuit television cameras.

The Special Cell and the local police are keeping a close watch on places such as guesthouses and hotels where militants can take refuge.

The Delhi police have been in touch with the police forces of neighbouring States to launch a drive against suspected militants and prevent them from sneaking into the capital. Checking at all border points has been increased.

According to the Special Commissioner, all security personnel including commandos have been fully sensitised and specially trained to identify suspicious people or objects.

"We have also visualised various contingencies that may arise in the wake of threats from militants and have taken appropriate anti-terrorist measures to deal with such contingencies," he said.

To ensure an incident-free Janmashtami, the police have coordinated with various agencies, including temple administrations, to ensure that subversive elements Do not succeed in their nefarious designs. The private security guards and volunteers at these temples have also been sensitised about the security concerns.

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