High alert ahead of Republic Day Parade 2010

New Delhi, Jan 23 (ANI): In the run up to Republic Day and in the wake of a heightened alert, the Army is ready to tackle all security related issues.

Lt. General KJS Oberoi, General Officer Commanding Delhi Area, assured that there is no need to worry about terror threats emanating from militant outfits like the Lashkar-e-Toiba.

He added that elaborate security arrangements have been made along with the Delhi Police to deal with any such threat.

Speaking to the media during the preview of the Army contingent for the Republic Day parade, the parade commander also said that fog will not be a spoil sport for Army Aviation core's fly past during the Republic Day parade.

Meanwhile, the Delhi airport and Hindon air base in nearby Ghaziabad were put on heightened alert on Saturday.

"It is a routine alert done ahead of Republic Day. The Delhi Integrated Air Defence has been put on high alert. The air defence at the airbases in and around the capital will be in a state of readiness to counter any incoming threat from the sky," a senior Indian Air Force (IAF) official said.

The national capital has been turned into a fortress ahead of Republic Day, with thousands of security personnel deployed to keep a tight vigil across the city.

"A multi-layer security structure will be deployed at Rajpath where President Pratibha Patil will unfurl the national flag on Jan 26," a senior police officer said.

Anti-aircraft guns, quick reaction teams, and commandos of the National Security Guard will be deployed at various places. An elaborate air defence mechanism, including deployment of anti-aircraft guns, has also been made to check any intrusion of air space.

Lt. General Oberoi said that this time, duration of the parade has been increased to one-hour-and twenty-four minutes to keep the enthusiasm level high among the spectators.

Ten serving, retired and civilian Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra awardees will also participate in the parade.

A total of 10 military bands and 13 Pipes and Drums of various regiments will provide music to the mach past.

Lt. General Oberoi said that a total of 35 bands from the three services will perform during the Beating The Retreat - 2010 ceremony at Vijay Chowk in New Delhi. (ANI)