By IANS,
New Delhi : Delhiites remained vigilant and came out in less numbers Sunday, a day after the US and three other countries issued security advisories to their citizens warning of terror attacks in crowded places of the national capital.
The major markets of Karol Bagh, Connaught Place, Lajpat Nagar and Sarojini Nagar saw decreased footfalls.
“The number of people coming to eat at our restaurant fell by more than 50 percent since yesterday (Saturday) evening. Security has been increased since yesterday in Connaught Place, and when I came here in the morning, I saw cops everywhere,” said Anil Kumar, assistant manager at the Sancho’s Mexican restaurant in Connaught Place.
Sarojini Nagar market in south Delhi also wore a changed look as security men in uniform stood guard. Also, CCTVs monitored the place while continuous announcements were being made over the public address system advising shoppers to be careful.
“There is a drastic fall in the number of customers. The market looks almost empty today (Sunday) but there are a large number of policemen guarding the area,” said Ashok Randhawa, a member of the Sarojini Nagar Market Association.
Security remained beefed up in Karol Bagh and Lajpat Nagar markets.
“We should not get panicky and neither scared of such threats. We need to be cautious and avoid coming to crowded places on such days unnecessarily,” said a shopper at the Lajpat Nagar market.
Delhi Police spokesperson Rajan Bhagat said elaborate security arrangements were in place in the capital.
“There is no change in the situation and all the security arrangements remain on high alert today (Sunday). We have asked people in the city to remain vigilant as well,” he added.
However, some people were caught unaware of the security advisories issued by the authorities here.
“I don’t know much about the security alert, but things are normal here in Karol Bagh,” Mandeep, an employee at Westside Departmental Store in Karol Bagh, said.
“I don’t know anything about any terror threat in Delhi,” said Sudhir, a security guard on duty at the Ansal Plaza in south Delhi.
The US, Australia, Britain and Canada issued fresh security advisories to their citizens Saturday warning of terror attacks in crowded markets of the Indian capital, prompting the government to step up vigil and take precautions to safeguard the people.