(rptg, rephrasing lead)

New Delhi, Oct 18 (UNI) With memories of last year's pre-Diwali terror bombings yet to fade, the authorities have beefed up security in and around the capital and sounded a high alert to prevent recurrence of similar incidents during the festive season.

Police, this year, has taken a slew of measures to ensure safety for people. Additional police personnel have been deployed across the capital, particularly in markets.

Metal detectors and surveillance cameras have been put in place in most of the markets. Anti-sabotage teams, bomb disposal squads and dog squads have been placed on standby to meet any eventuality.

''We made necessary security arrangements for this Diwali and Eid, including deploying more personnel. We are hopeful that all would go well this year,'' a senior police official told UNI.

On October 16, Delhi Police claimed to have averted a major terror strike with the arrest of two Lashkar-e-Toiba operatives with a huge consignment of high-grade explosives to be used during a pre-Diwali strike.

But the elaborate security arrangements have failed to instill confidence among people. Though markets, including Sarojini Nagar where scores were killed last year, around the capital wore a festive look, people were apprehensive of visiting crowded places.

''I don't want to risk the lives of my family. Terror attacks can happen at any time at any place. I will ensure my family stays from the crowded places. Why take the chance?'' said Mridula Saxena, a shopper at the busy Janpath.

Echoing similar views was Praveen Gupta, a Government employee, ''I have stopped using my car till the festivals are over. I feel it is not safe to park my car at public parking.'' ''Security arrangements had been put in place last year also but the terror attacks happened.... What guarantee do we have this year?'' he asked.

On Diwali eve last year, three blasts rocked the city killing 60 and injuring more than 200 people. The blasts had taken place at two of the most crowded markets of the city -- Sarojini Nagar and Paharganj.

UNI NR-IP PK VV2014