Capital on 'high alert' as Republic Day nears

New Delhi, Jan 23 (UNI) Despite no intelligence inputs on specific security threats to the visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin, Delhi Police, in association with Central agencies, is concentrating on two specific modes -- car bomb and assault attacks -- in its 'special arrangements' inventary for the coming Republic Day parade even as the city has been put on high alert.

''This year we have focussed mainly on two main strategies being used by terrorists all over who either targeted VIPs through 'assault attacks' or 'car-bomb explosions','' said a senior police official looking after the security for the R-Day parade.

''With information on terrorists likely to infiltrate security cordon in the form of VIP security escort or policemen in uniform, 'pocket teams' have been devised for car-parking checks and keeping a tab on unauthorised vehicle entry in sanitised areas.'' Along with this, more than 200 PCR vans have been deployed to scan specifically those vehicles which were entering Delhi till January 26. This was to block any entry of unwarranted persons or vehicles which could create disturbance during the historic day, he said.

Besides copter surveillance, anti-aircraft guns and close-circuit cameras in action, commandos of the National Security Guard, Indo-Tibetan Border Police and Special Frontier Force would be manning the Vijay Chowk-Rajpath corridor and its adjoining areas.

''In the wake of several terrorists arrested last year and the July 11 Mumbai train blasts, extra precaution is being taken for the visiting dignitary with the deloyment of several companies of Central security forces besides the Delhi Police and others.'' Though no specific threats about the Russian dignitary has been received, still security was being given an extra punch with anti-sabotage checks being done in sanitised areas of Rajpath and its vicinity for the past several days, he said.

''Adequate air defence measures with help from the Air Force and ground fortification at strategic points in association with the Army was well in place to provide a fool-proof arrangement for the entire area from where the Republic Day contingent would pass.'' Besides this, inter-state coordination with neighbouring states were being done to check that no 'launch pads' operated from there to carry out attacks in the Capital, said the official.

''However, like every year something new is added to our built-up keeping in view the situational needs. But in short, all resources at our disposal have been mobilised.'' Along with this, guest houses and hotels have being put under strict surveillance with CCTV cameras in place for identification check of visitors.

''We are implementing tenant verification very strictly while keeping a vigil on cyber cafes and sale of SIM cards without proper identification papers.'' Joint checking of border areas of Delhi was also being done with neighbouring states' police and alert sounded all over the city for maximum vigil, Though this was a routine affair, we are taking extra precaution this year because of arrival of Mr Putin -- the chief guest of January 26 parade, he added.

UNI