Tight security in capital for Republic Day celebrations

New Delhi, Jan 26: A thick security blanket was thrown around the capital today with thousands of armed personnel keeping a tight vigil to thwart any possible terror strike or any untoward incident during the Republic Day celebrations.

Snipers with sophisticated arms were on high-rises while hundreds of police personnel kept the eight km parade route from Rajpath to Red Fort under their watch to ensure that the event passed peacefully. Around 25,000 police personnel, including those from paramilitary forces and sharpshooters from the elite National Security Guards (NSG) were deployed across the city in the run-up to the national celebrations. Policemen kept a tab on the visuals from over 160 CCTVs between Rajpath and Red Fort, the route of the parade.

Mobile hit teams, anti-aircraft guns and sharpshooters of the NSG were also on the job at various places while paramilitary and Delhi Police commandos kept a close watch along the route. "There was a special emphasis on anti-sabotage checks, access control measures and intelligence coordination.

The entire route of the parade was covered by special security and anti-terror arrangements. "Elaborate air defence measures, including deployment of anti-aircraft guns, were also taken to check intrusion of air space," a senior police official said. Besides the air defence measures, helicopters of the Indian Air Force hovered around Rajpath and all along the route of the parade.

Vehicles entering the city were randomnly checked. As the city witnessed a terror strike only four months ago, the security establishment left no stone unturned to ensure an incident-free celebrations. No vehicles were allowed to ply on Rajpath from 6 PM yesterday while vehicular movement was restricted on Tilak Marg, Bahadurshah Zafar Marg, Netaji Subhash Marg upto Red Fort from 4 AM.

President Pranab Mukherjee addressing the Nation

President Pranab Mukherjee addressing the Nation on the eve of 64th Republic Day in New Delhi on Friday.

CRPF jawans march at Rajpath

CRPF jawans march at Rajpath during full dress rehearsal for the Republic Day Parade 2013 in New Delhi.

Ladakh Scouts march for the Republic Day Parade

Ladakh Scouts march during full dress rehearsal for the Republic Day Parade 2013 in New Delhi.

Marching contingents at Rajpath

Marching contingents at Rajpath during full dress rehearsal for the Republic Day Parade 2013 in New Delhi.

Tableaus on display at Rajpath

Tableaus on display at Rajpath during full dress rehearsal for the Republic Day Parade 2013 in New Delhi.

Soldiers march during for the Republic Day Parade

Soldiers march during full dress rehearsal for the Republic Day Parade 2013 in New Delhi.

Brahmos Launcher at Rajpath

Brahmos Launcher at Rajpath during full dress rehearsal for the Republic Day Parade 2013 in New Delhi.

Soldiers march for the Republic Day Parade

Soldiers march during full dress rehearsal for the Republic Day Parade 2013 in New Delhi.

Air force fighter jets present a fly

Air force fighter jets present a fly past during full dress rehearsal for the Republic Day Parade 2013 in New Delhi.

An NCC cadet salutes

An NCC cadet salutes while rehearsing for Republic day parade.

Army bandsmen rehearse for the Republic Day parade

Army bandsmen rehearse for the Republic Day parade at Rajpath in New Delhi.

Artists wearing traditional attire

Artists, wearing traditional attire, perform at Meghalaya's tableaux for the Republic Day parade, during a press preview in New Delhi.

Brave children wave from open vehicles at Rajpath

Brave children wave from open vehicles at Rajpath during full dress rehearsal for the Republic Day Parade 2013 in New Delhi.

BSF daredevils show their skills at Rajpath

BSF daredevils show their skills at Rajpath during full dress rehearsal for the Republic Day Parade 2013 in New Delhi.

Camel-mounted BSF soldiers

Camel-mounted BSF soldiers rehearse for the Republic Day parade at Rajpath in New Delhi.

BSF daredevils rehearse for the Republic Day parade

BSF daredevils rehearse for the Republic Day parade in New Delhi.

Services bandsmen

Services bandsmen rehearse for the Beating Retreat ceremony at Raisina Hillls in New Delhi.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral DK Joshi inspecting a guard of honour

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral DK Joshi inspecting a guard of honour during a visit to the NCC Republic Day Parade Camp 2013 in New Delhi.

PTI