NEW DELHI: The Union Home Ministry, Central forces and security and intelligence agencies heaved a sigh relief as the Independence Day celebrations passed off peacefully across the nation. Amid reports of possible terrorist strikes, security agencies and police had mounted an unprecedented vigil across the nation. In particular, vital installations, nuclear plants, airports, railway stations, Delhi and Kolkata metro networks and crowded markets were put under special surveillance. Commandos of the National Security Guards were also pressed in to service to guard vital installations such as the Kalpakkam nuclear facility.

If the capital became the focus of sharp attention of police and security agencies, with the main venue, Red Fort, kept out of bounds for the public, a special vigil was mounted in Srinagar and the capitals of northeastern States. The suspension of Army operations against the United Liberation Front of Asom turned out to be a crucial factor in incident-free Independence Day celebrations in Assam.

Vigil to continue

"We are not letting the guard down. Strict countrywide vigil is being maintained in view of Janmashtami celebrations on Wednesday. The surveillance will continue till Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations get over later this month. We are leaving nothing to chance," Union Home Secretary V.K. Duggal told The Hindu .

Strict regulations and passenger checks continued at all airports in the country in the wake of the foiled terror plot in the U.K. Passengers were thoroughly frisked.

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