Date:13/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/13/stories/2008081361520300.htm

New Delhi

Delhi police on a high alert

Staff Reporter

To ensure peaceful Independence Day celebrations

Full dress rehearsal of the celebrations at Red Fort be carried out today amid heavy security
Security at busy market places, bus terminals, Metro and railway stations and airport upgraded

NEW DELHI: In the wake of ongoing turmoil in Jammu and Kashmir and recent terrorist attacks in different parts of the country, the Delhi police have been put on high alert to ensure peaceful Independence Day celebrations here in the Capital on August 15.

A full dress rehearsal of the celebrations at Red Fort would be carried out on Wednesday amid heavy security. Police Commissioner Y.S. Dadwal on Tuesday held a meeting with senior police officers to discuss the nitty-gritty of the arrangements for the rehearsal.

As part of the arrangement, police and paramilitary forces in large numbers have already been deployed at Red Fort from where the Prime Minister will address the nation on August 15.

While anti-aircraft guns are being installed at strategic locations to give a foolproof cover to Red Fort and thwart any airborne attack, trained National Security Guards snipers would be deployed on the rooftops of buildings located near the celebration venue.

Anti-sabotage checks are being carried out at vital installations in coordination with the intelligence sleuths. Security at busy market places, bus terminals, Metro and railway stations and the Indira Gandhi International Airport is being reviewed and upgraded.

Local political and religious leaders, residents’ welfare associations, property and vehicle dealers and hawkers have been involved to create awareness among the general public to remain watchful about any suspicious activities in their locality and not to believe in or spread rumours. Central intelligence is working in tandem with the police to investigate any input of significance.

A few days ago, the police had received inputs from the intelligence agencies about the presence of some persons suspected to be terrorists. “We are working on the information assiduously. Surveillance has been mounted at places we suspect could be used by terrorists as hideouts,” said a senior police officer, adding that surprise checks were also being carried out at guesthouses and hotels, especially in the Walled City area.

The police are also in regular touch with their counterparts in neighbouring States to plan out arrangements at entry points to the Capital.