Security tightened for Republic Day celebrations

New Delhi, Jan 25 (ANI): Security has been tightened in New Delhi and surrounding areas for Republic day celebrations as intelligence agencies have warned of possible terror attacks.

Over 15,000 security personnel will be deployed for the event.

CCTV cameras will be placed on the parade route as part of the tight vigil.

Mobile teams, anti-aircraft guns and sharpshooters of the National Security Guards (NSG) will also be deployed at various places.

Patrolling in crowded market areas has been intensified and passengers are being thoroughly checked at Metro trains, railway stations and bus terminals.

Security at the India Gandhi International Airport has also strengthened.

Meanwhile, In Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, security personnel are keeping a strict vigil, checking all vehicles as well as frisking people to prevent any untoward incident.

"Keeping in view the Republic Day, we have made necessary security arrangements in rural as well in urban areas particularly Poonch town and other places. We have laid ambush in several places for evenings and for security in day we have set-up barricades with the help of paramilitary forces," said Javed Iqbal, Deputy Superintendent Operations, Police, Poonch.

In Assam, security arrangement has been tightened in and around Guwahati such as the Central Parade Ground where the official function including parade will be held.

"Since the Guwahati parade is the centre venue of state function, we have made elaborate security arrangements for Guwahati parade ground," said G P Singh, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Central Western Range, Assam Police.

Personnel of Border Security Force (BSF) guarding the India-Bangladesh border have stepped up their vigil while the state police authorities of West Bengal have also taken all deterrent measures to avoid any untoward incident.

"We are taking all possible measures to keep the security intact. In fact, Darjeeling district is having border with Nepal and Bhutan. So SSB as well as BSF at the Bangladesh border have been briefed and they are also alert and as far as inside town is concerned we are also keeping strong vigil over the area," said Debendra Prasad Singh, Superintendent of Police, Darjeeling. (ANI)