NSG on alert in capital in wake of Mumbai attacks, polls

New Delhi, Nov 29 (UNI) In the wake of the precarious situation following the Mumbai terror attacks and the Delhi polls, the country's elite National Security Guards (NSGS) have been put on ''alert'' and ''standby''.

One unit of the NSG has been put on alert and kept ready for any ''immediate exigency'' in Delhi, said a senior security official.

''Fool-proof measures have been taken in case there are any mishappenings here on the scale of Mumbai. This is also because Delhi is full of VVIPs.'' Security around the VVIPs has also been further tighetened, he added.

Meanwhile, security personnel have fanned out all over the capital and leaves of all the personnel have been cancelled, said a senior police official.

''Major installations, including government offices and sensitive pockets like the diplomatic enclave in Chanakyapuri have been put on ''alert vigil'.

Also on the enhanced security radar, ever since Wednesday evening, is the Delhi Metro, the two airports and the inter-state bus terminus, as well as market places and malls, he said.

Extra 'search pickets' have been raised all over Delhi, at strategic locations, to scan suspects along with the routine 'stop and search' operation, he added.

Besides this, 'sensitive' areas of the city have been put on extra watch for movement of people arousing suspicion or trying to plan any sabotage, said the official, adding, ''We have stepped up vigil and patrolling all over the capital and extra enforcements sent at all the border entry points, ISBTs, and railway stations.'' Special sharp-shooters have been placed at vantage points and additional security put around government administrative blocks in the capital, he said, adding ''security situation is being monitored on an hourly basis and being reviewed regularly.'' UNI AN SKB BST0819