Security geared up ahead of Republic Day, Francois Hollande's visit

New Delhi, Jan 18: Security in the national capital has been heightened "to an unprecedented level" ahead of Republic Day in which French President Francois Hollande will be the chief guest, said official sources.

On Monday, Home Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the security situation in Delhi with Delhi Police commissioner B. S. Bassi and other senior officials from intelligence and security agencies.

As per home ministry sources, the security machinery is fully alert to foil any threat by terror groups and possible presence of Islamic State sympathisers is also being factored.

"There may make an attempt to undermine the sense of security through small actions such as knife attack on security personnel or snatching of service weapons. But the security agencies are alert and will foil any such attempt," a ministry source said.

The Pathankot terror attack has been weighing heavy on the minds of India's security machinery and all security aspects are being looked into.

Hollande will watch the Republic Day celeberations on January 26 at the Rajpath. President Pranab Mukherjee will take salute of the parade.

The French president will be visiting India over two months after the terror attacks in Paris in which 130 people were killed.

IANS