Huge security cover for R-Day

Agencies simulate terror attacks on VIPs during parade rehearsal

According to Special Commissioner (Traffic) Ajay Chadha, 192 companies of security personnel will be deployed in and around the parade route from early Tuesday morning.
“This will be in addition to the forces available with the district police as Delhi will be on high alert,” Chadha said.

Elaborate traffic arrangements have also been made for Tuesday. Vehicles will not be allowed to enter the parade route while Metro services will be curtailed.
Delhi borders will be sealed from 11 pm on Monday night to Tuesday 12 noon.
A massive ground-to-air security apparatus will also be put in place in the capital ahead of the Republic Day.

Gearing up
Mobile hit teams, anti-aircraft guns and sharpshooters of the National Security Guards will be deployed at various places while paramilitary and Delhi Police commandos will keep a close watch along the parade route. Snipers will be deployed at high-rise buildings while a total of 105 CCTVs have been installed to keep a vigil on people’s movement between Rajpath and Red Fort. A multi-layer security ring will be put in place at Rajpath, where President Pratibha Patil will unfurl the tricolour and take the salute of marching contingents, a senior police official said.
“A special emphasis is being laid on anti-sabotage checks, access-control measures and intelligence coordination. The entire route of the parade will be covered by special security and anti-terror arrangements.

“Elaborate air defence measures, including deployment of anti-aircraft guns, have also been taken to check possible intrusion of air space,” he said.
Besides, helicopters of the Indian Air Force will hover over the areas around Rajpath and all along the route of the parade, the official said.
Meanwhile, security agencies on Saturday simulated terror attacks on the VIPs during the dress rehearsal of the parade.

The mock terror drill was coordinated by the National Security Guards and Special Protection Groups responsible for VIP security.
This is for the first time a terror attack has been simulated in the R-Day parade dress rehearsal.

The drill was conducted a day after intelligence agencies warned about terrorists using paragliders to make sensational strikes on high-value assets or VVIP targets. There are reports about Lashkar-e-Toiba terrorists buying paragliders.
The Union Home ministry too has issued warning to state police forces and instructed security agencies to be on guard to deal with air-borne suicide strikes.