After Delhi Police received inputs from Intelligence agencies about a possible terror attack, the national Capital and its peripherals have been put under very high security. Delhi Police Commissioner, Rakesh Asthana on Tuesday also issued an order which prohibited operation of "sub-conventional aerial platforms" including UAVs, paragliders and hot air balloons over the national Capital from January 20.
The order was issued by Asthana in the wake of reports of the possibility of certain criminal or anti-social elements or terrorists inimical to India posing a threat to the safety of the general public, dignitaries and vital installations in the Capital.
According to police, there is a three layered security system in place. The force is always alert and conducts anti-terror measures, especially ahead of any events of national importance and termed it as a usual protocol.
“Police is focusing on anti-terror sabtogae activities. Although it is a usual protocol everyday we do it ahead of any event of national importance. With the upcoming Republic Day event, it perhaps gives more scope to anti-national elements. So we have heightened our activities in terms of alertness, deployment of extra manpower,” said a senior police official.
“As Prime Minister’s security is of highest order and we have intensified our vigil and manpower to ensure no such incident is repeated. We have also received intelligence inputs that there are chances of a possible terror or drone attack,,” said the senior police official.
“In view of Republic Day, the security has been tightened with the entire area where the celebration would take place being placed under multiple CCTVs fitted with facial recognition software. All the units of the Delhi Police force including local police, Special Cell, Special Branch, Traffic, SWAT (all-woman Special Weapons and Tactics) units and teams from National Security Guard will also be part of deployment besides the paramilitary forces,” said Deepak Yadav, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), New Delhi district.
"Anti drone systems have been put up in two different locations. Police personnel will also be deployed on high rise buildings for extra vigil. There's also air defence gun to to keep a watch and tackle any hostile aircraft if found any. Those who have been completely vaccinated will only be allowed to attend the event. No children are allowed. Around 14,000 invitees have been allowed this year out of which around 4,000 tickets have been issued for public," the DCP said.
Patrolling teams along with PRAKHAR Van's with attached camera will also be part of the security wing, he said.
Keeping in view of covid appropriate behaviour, personnel have been directed to follow the covid-19 protocol and there is no compromise on security aspect, police said.
The force has prohibited operation of "sub-conventional aerial platforms" including UAVs, paragliders and hot air balloons over the national capital from January 20 in view of Republic Day celebrations.
The order shall come into force with effect from January 20 and shall remain in force for a period of 27 days i.e. up to February 15 (both days inclusive) unless withdrawn earlier.
The Republic Day celebrations will now begin every year from January 23 instead of January 24 to include the birth anniversary of freedom fighter Subash Chandra Bose, Government sources said on Saturday.
This is in line with the Narendra Modi government's focus on commemorating important aspects of India's history and culture, they said, noting it had earlier started celebrating Bose's birth anniversary as 'Parakram Divas'.