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Security beefed up across the country for R-day celebrations
January 24, 2004 19:19 IST
With two days to go for Republic Day, security forces across the country have been put on high alert Saturday, particularly in Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir and the North East, in view of intelligence inputs about possible terrorist bids to disrupt the celebrations.
The national capital, where President A P J Abdul Kalam will take a salute at the historic Rajpath in the presence of the country's top leadership including Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani besides chief guest Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, has already been placed under a multi-layered security blanket.
The lawns flanking Rajpath, India Gate and Red Fort have been sealed with hundreds of security personnel maintaining a round-the-clock vigil.
Security measures have also been beefed up at Indira Gandhi International Airport, vital installations, prominent hotels, tourist spots and other public places.
All buildings flanking the eight-km route would be taken over by security personnel Sunday, to prevent terrorists from using rocket launchers or missiles to target the parade.
In Jammu and Kashmir, security forces have been put on high alert and additional troops mobilised amid fears that terrorists may carry out suicide attacks during the celebrations.
Maulana Azad Stadium in the state's winter capital Jammu, venue of the main function where Governor S K Sinha will take the salute, has been sealed off and sharp shooters and commando units positioned around it.
Security measures have also been intensified around temples and vital government and security installations.
Extra security measures are being taken in the North East, where insurgents have called for bandh on Republic Day.
In Meghalaya, special operations are being carried out in various areas in the backdrop of repeated attacks on security personnel by insurgents in the last few days.
Garo Hills is the main focus of the joint operation of Meghalaya and Assam Police forces alongwith the CRPF.
Additional troops have been deployed in Assam and a round-the-clock vigil was being maintained.
Patrolling on national highways, along railway tracks and militant-infested areas has been intensified with additional troops posted in sensitive areas and vital installations.
Security forces have also been alerted in Nagaland, Tripura and Manipur.
Extra security measures are also being undertaken in other states of the country, particularly Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.