New Delhi: Delhi will be under hawk-eye vigil next week in the run up to the Republic Day celebrations with thousands of policemen fanning out across the city and a massive ground-to-air security apparatus put in place.
Snipers will be deployed at high-rise buildings while around 100 CCTVs will keep a tight vigil on people's movement between Rajpath and Red Fort - the route of the parade which showcases India's military might and cultural diversity. Mobile hit teams, anti-aircraft guns and sharpshooters of National Security Guards will be deployed at various places while paramilitary and Delhi Police commandos will keep a close watch along the route of the Republic Day parade.
A multi-layer security ring is already put in place at Rajpath, where President Pratibha Patil will unfurl the tricolour and take the salute of marching contingents. Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will be the chief guest at the parade, which will also be attended by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the country's top political and military brass.
"A special emphasis is being laid on anti-sabotage checks, access control measures and intelligence coordination. The entire route of the parade will be covered by special security and anti-terror arrangements. "Elaborate air defence measures, including deployment of anti-aircraft guns, have also been taken to check intrusion of air space," a senior police official said. Besides the air defence measures, helicopters of the Indian Air Force will hover around Rajpath and all along the route of the parade. Patrolling in crowded market areas has been intensified and checking and frisking in Metro, railway stations and bus terminals tightened.
Security at the IGI airport was also strengthened in coordination with the CISF. Checking and frisking have also been intensified at all entry points with police setting up barricades to keep a vigil on all those entering the capital. All property dealers and second-hand car dealers have been asked to furnish details about their recent deals and pass on information especially about customers from outside the state. Cyber cafe owners have also been directed to maintain the records of all e-mail users.