By IANS,
New Delhi: Security has been beefed up especially in New Delhi, Kolkata and Hyderabad after the home ministry warned police in three cities to raise their levels of preparedness to face up any terror attack in the run-up to the Independence Day Saturday.
Senior ministry officials told IANS that advisories have been sent to the police forces of New Delhi, Kolkata and Hyderabad to be alert, indicating that intelligence inputs had warned of possible attacks.
The ministry has asked police to strengthen security in market places, cinema halls, bus and railway stations and iconic buildings in the three cities.
The US government, in a fresh security alert to its citizens in India, also haswarned of possible terrorist attacks in the country. A message issued last week asked American nationals in India to “maintain a heightened situational awareness and a low profile”.
“There is a continuing threat from terrorism throughout India and the upcoming series of major holidays (including the Aug 15 Independence Day celebrations) could provide terrorist groups an opportunity or pretext to stage an attack,” the advisory said.
“The November 2008 attacks in Mumbai provided a vivid reminder that luxury hotels are especially attractive targets for terrorist groups,” it added.
Delhi Police have begun making unprecedented and elaborate security arrangements across the national capital to ward off any untoward incident.
“We will have in place an unparalleled ground-to-air security apparatus for the Independence Day celebrations. Security will be tighter and flawless in view of certain threats,” said a senior security official.
“As the country’s top leadership are expected to be in full attendance at the Red Fort on the Independence Day, the historic monument would be turned into a citadel. For starters, the entire Red Fort complex is being sanitised. We are constantly reviewing and updating security arrangements,” the official added.
Police said the vehicular movement will be limited in the area Aug 14. Patrolling will be intensive in the walled city and snipers will be deployed at all vantage buildings around the 17th century red sandstone fort.
A special stress is being given on anti-sabotage and anti-explosive checks, tight access control and vigil on the VIP routes. Quick reaction teams are also in place. According to police officials, over 5,000 security personnel would be part of the security arrangements.
“Anti-sabotage checks are being carried out by the CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force), NSG (National Security Guards) and CISF (Central Industrial Security Force) along with Delhi Police in the area around the venue. All VIP routes will be checked and sealed,” said another security official.
“Closed circuit television cameras (CCTVs) will be put up at all vantage points.”
Besides, suitable air defence measures have also been taken to counter possible threats.
“The capital will be declared a no-fly zone for the morning of Aug 15 and air defence guns would be placed at strategic locations to ward off possible aerial attacks by unmanned or micro light aircraft,” said an intelligence official.