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Saturday, Aug 16, 2008
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Tight security at Red Fort

Devesh K. Pandey

Traffic regulated, private vehicles subjected to checks on borders

Ambulances and fire-tenders kept on standby
Snipers positioned on rooftops of nearby buildings

NEW DELHI: Black Cat commandos, snipers and armed personnel in combat fatigue formed part of the five-layer security arrangement that ensured peaceful Independence Day celebrations at the historic Red Fort here on Friday.

Traffic was regulated at all major intersections.

Barricades were erected to check vehicles passing by or heading for the celebration venue. Ambulances and fire-tenders were kept on standby. Lanes connecting the Ring Road leading up to the Red Fort were blocked during the function. Heavy vehicles were not allowed into the capital from midnight on Thursday up to 11 a.m. on Friday.

Private vehicles were subjected to checks on the borders.

All vehicles parked at designated places were checked. Metal detectors were installed at entry points and the visitors frisked.

About 350 snipers were positioned on rooftops of nearby buildings and more than 15,000 armed personnel deployed. Policemen with binoculars were stationed on the watchtowers around the main entrance to the Red Fort.

Two helicopters conducted aerial reconnaissance throughout the 90-minute function, during which air space in the area was turned into a no-fly zone. Sniffer dogs were pressed into service to conduct anti-sabotage checks inside the venue.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s cavalcade arrived at 7.25 a.m. and five minutes later he unfurled the tricolour and addressed the nation.

Despite heavy deployment, the police ensured that visitors did not face any serious problems in reaching the venue.

“The police were helpful in guiding us to the venue,” said Rajeev Kumar, one of those who attended the celebrations at the Red Fort.

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