With two suspected conduits of the Indian Mujaheedin (IM) being arrested from UP, including one in lucknow, the state government has made elaborate security arrangements to ensure peaceful celebration of Republic Day on Tuesday.
In lucknow and other sensitive places and vital installations, local police were taking the services of `drones’ to thwart any terror attack. After spotting UAVs in Kanpur and in Allahabad few months back, security forces have ensured aerial survey of important places were the tricolour will be hoisted.
In lucknow, aerial survey and roof top patrols have been deputed all along the route through which Republic Day parade will be taken out. Security has been beefed up especially after the strike at Pathankot Air Force base in Punjab. Vigil has been stepped up at all bus stands, railway stations and important government buildings etc.
The services of Central Para-Military Forces (CPMF) have also been sought to assist the local police in ensuing law and order. Besides deployment at important establishments, frisking and checking have also been started at vital entry and exit points along the border with Nepal. All check-posts along the inter-state and Indo-Nepal borders have been put on high alert. Dog and bomb disposal squads have been deployed at vulnerable spots to thwart any subversive activity.
Earleir last week, the National Investigating Agency (NIA) and other Central agencies arrested 14 persons for allegedly planning to carry out strikes across the country ahead of Republic Day. The arrests were made following simultaneous searches and raids at 12 locations in six cities — Bengaluru, Tumkur, Mangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai and lucknow with the support of local police on January 22.