Unprecedented security measures in place for trouble free 62nd Independence Day

New Delhi, Aug 14 : In the wake of recent serial blasts in Bangalore and Ahmedabad, unprecedented security measures have been put in place to ensure a trouble free 62nd Independence Day celebrations on Friday.

An invincible ground-to-air security apparatus is in place, when Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Singh will address the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort.

A no-fly zone will be enforced and movement of trains near the Red Fort will be suspended during the function.

About 60,000 Delhi Police personnel and nearly 10,000 paramilitary personnel will be deployed on the ground while two helicopters will maintain surveillance from the skies when the Prime Minister unfurls the tricolour.

Security forces will keep tight vigil at airports, railway stations, bus stands, shopping areas, places of worship, crowded markets, tourist spots and power stations.

"We have some intelligence inputs about extremist groups planning to target prominent leaders and symbols of national importance. We have taken adequate precautions," Joint Commissioner of Police S N Srivastava told reporters here.

The coordination level meetings of Delhi Police with its neighbouring states were also held to ensure maintenance of a strict vigil against entry of anti-social elements.

States like Bihar, Orissa, Chattisgarh, Jharkand and Andhra Pradesh which are vulnerable to attacks by Maoists have taken extra precautions to ensure there is no disruption.

Security has been alsobeefed up in the North-Eastern states where four militant groups have already given calls for a boycott of I-Day celebrations.

ANI