The Hindu : Front Page : Unprecedented security for Independence Day

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Aug 15, 2009
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

Front Page

Front Page

Unprecedented security for Independence Day

Staff Reporter

- Photo: Sandeep Saxena

GUARDING THE FORT: The scene at Delhi’s Red Fort on the eve of Independence Day.

NEW DELHI: Unprecedented security arrangements are in place for the Independence Day celebrations at the historic Red Fort here in the Capital this Saturday, the first I-Day since the brazen 26/11 terror attacks rocked Mumbai.

The arrangements have been chalked out by the Delhi police in coordination with many other security and intelligence agencies. The area surrounding the Red Fort, from where Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will unfurl the National Flag and address the nation this morning, has been sanitised and turned into a virtual fortress. Security personnel armed with sophisticated weapons like MP5 sub-machine guns have been deployed to provide protection to the VIPs attending the celebrations.

Anti-sabotage checks have been carried out in the area by the bomb detection and disposal squads and the sniffer dog squads of the Delhi police and the elite National Security Guard. Armed personnel have been stationed at all vital points around the Red Fort. During the I-Day celebrations the area will be turned into a no-fly zone and the borders will be sealed. Anti-aircraft guns have been installed at strategic locations to ward off any air-borne threat. Snipers will be deployed atop buildings nearby and a close watch will be kept on any suspicious movements through a network of closed-circuit TV cameras.

Following the arrest of two alleged Hizbul Mujahideen militants in the Walled City of Delhi a few days ago, the entire police force is on high alert.

The Special Cell of Delhi Police has mounted raids in and outside the Capital to identify other members of the module who might try to create disturbance.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Front Page