by Peerzada Arshad Hamid
NEW DELHI, Aug 15 (NNN-PTI) – Authorities yesterday, beefed up security across all major cities across India, including capital city New Delhi, ahead of the country’s Independence Day celebrations which start today.
The step, according to police officials, has been taken, to thwart possible attempts by militant or terror groups to disrupt official celebrations.
“In view of the Independence Day function, adequate security arrangements are in place in the city and elsewhere, to ensure celebrations are conducted without any disruption,” a senior police official posted in New Delhi, said.
Police officials have intensified checking and patrolling at metro stations, railway stations, airport and bus terminals, as part of the security arrangement.
Thousands of police personnel have been deployed, to keep vigil at strategic locations, including the Delhi borders, where farmers have been on a sit-in protest for over eight months, against new farm laws.
According to the police, a multi-layered security cover has been put at the Red Fort, from where Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, is scheduled to address the nation on the 75th Independence Day.
Earlier this month police erected a makeshift wall, by placing shipping containers near the main gate of the iconic Red Fort, for security reasons. The containers placed one above the other have been put with the aim to block the sight inside the premises of the Mughal-era fort.
This is the first time that police have put up such a high wall outside the Independence Day venue. Reports said, the step has been taken in view of this year’s protests on the country’s Republic Day.
“In view of Independence Day, elaborate security arrangements have been made, in coordination with other security agencies, at and around Red Fort, in a coordinated manner. Arrangements have been made to combat hostile elements. No aerial objects, balloons are allowed this Independence Day,” Chinmoy Biswal, Delhi Police public relations officer, told media.
Security agencies have also deployed special commandos and pressed in anti-drone systems across the city, especially near the Red Fort, in view of the recent drone attack at the Indian Air Force (IAF) station, in Indian-controlled Kashmir.
Delhi Traffic Police had also issued a traffic advisory for the Independence Day function at the Red Fort, to ensure the safe and smooth flow of vehicles across the city. Some roads have been closed as a precautionary measure.
Reports pouring in from other major cities, especially state capitals, say, authorities have taken similar steps in wake of the Independence Day celebrations.– NNN-PTI
