Delhi brought under heavy security cover in view of Republic Day celebrations
India Today
In order to prevent any untoward incident amid a terror alert by intelligence agencies, patrolling has been intensified and the borders of the national capital have been sealed by the Delhi Police in coordination with its counterparts from the neighbouring states.
In view of the 73rd Republic Day celebrations, Delhi has been brought under heavy security cover as the city police has intensified patrolling and sealed the borders of the national capital in coordination with its counterparts from the neighbouring states to thwart any untoward incident amid a terror alert by intelligence agencies.
Over 27,000 police personnel have been deployed on Republic Day for security duties in Delhi and anti-terror measures have been intensified, officials said.
According to the officials, the police personnel deployed include deputy commissioners, assistant commissioners, inspectors and sub-inspectors. Armed Police Force personnel and commandos, officers and jawans of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have also been deployed.
CCTVs fitted with facial recognition software and anti-drone equipment have also been installed, police said.
All major border points of Delhi, including Tikri, Singhu and Ghazipur, have been sealed to ensure incident-free and smooth Republic Day celebrations unlike last year. Extra pickets have been deployed and patrolling has been intensified at the border points, the officials said.
On January 26 last year, thousands of farmers protesting against three agriculture laws of the Centre entered Delhi on tractors and wreaked havoc on the city roads. They clashed with police and even hoisted a religious flag from the ramparts of the iconic Red Fort, a privilege reserved for the Indian tricolour.
"We have sealed the borders and put up extra pickets in coordination with our counterparts. No commercial vehicles will be allowed to enter the national capital. Only permitted vehicles and those engaged in essential services will be allowed. Non-permitted vehicles will be sent back while at some borders, traffic diversions and alternate routes are also in place," a senior police officer said.