Security stepped up in Delhi, other cities ahead of R-Day

As a precautionary anti-terror measure ahead of the Republic Day parade on Thursday, security has been stepped up in Delhi and other major cities.

The national capital, which will witness the main celebrations, has been put under a ground-to-air security cover, with thousands of personnel from the Delhi Police and paramilitary forces deployed across the city. Sharpshooters from the elite National Security Guard (NSG) will be deputed on rooftops.

The arrangements are being made in the wake of alerts issued by the Intelligence Bureau, which include the possibility of lone-wolf attacks inspired by the Islamic State, similar to the one in France’s Nice, where a man drove a truck into a crowd,  killing scores of people. The police in Delhi and other places have also been alerted about Pakistani nationals entering India on Afghanistan passports.

To thwart attacks through paragliders and drones, the security establishment will use the anti-drone technology to identify suspicious flying objects.

Dhanush artillery gun will be on display
Two indigenous artillery guns, including the Bofors clone Dhanush, three T-90 tanks, Bramhos cruise missiles and Aakash air defence missiles will be showcased at the Republic Day parade, DHNS reports from New Delhi.

Dhanush, India’s first indigenous long-range artillery gun made at Jabalpur’s Gun Carriage Factory, will be making its debut at this year’s parade. Each of these 155-mm guns cost about Rs 14.5 crore. A 155 mm, 52 calibre advanced towed artillery gun system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation will also be displayed, marking India’s military prowess, Major General Rajesh Sahai, Army Chief of Staff Delhi Area, said here on Monday.