New Delhi: Delhi has been placed on high alert ahead of Independence Day after intelligence agencies received inputs about possible “snap protests” and security threats linked to Pakistan-based terrorist organisations and Khalistani groups.
What is the reason for the high alert?
A huge security arrangement has been witnessed in the city of Delhi, particularly in the Red Fort, where PM Narendra Modi is scheduled to address the nation on August 15. The anticipated number of visitors for the event will be close to 24,000.
How many police personnel will be deployed?
Around 12,000 Delhi Police personnel will be deployed to ensure the safety of the Independence Day event. They will receive the backing of several security and intelligence services that will simultaneously be on-site and in the vicinity of the venue.
Along with all these security measures, more than 1,000 CCTV cameras fitted with artificial intelligence have been set up in the surroundings of the Red Fort. Video analytics, which is based on artificial intelligence technology, aims at providing live surveillance and helps the management to spot any suspicious activity.
The Red Fort has also been provided with a reliable access control system and anti-sabotage measures for the purpose of security.
The security team would include Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs), SWAT commandos, snipers, bomb disposal teams and dog squads. Intensive inspections of vehicles will take place in the security zone, and there will be continuous checks of vehicles throughout the security zone.
Security has also been increased at sensitive locations, bus terminals and railway stations throughout the capital as well as at key government buildings.
The multi-layered security blueprint has been prepared in view of the intelligence inputs to ensure smooth and secure celebration of the Independence Day, officials said.
Did Delhi Police hold a key security meeting?
Delhi Police on Wednesday conducted an inter-state coordination meet with senior police officials from 11 states and UTs in order to finalize a coordinated security plan and coordination in intelligence sharing ahead of Independence Day celebrations.
The meet was chaired by Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar. It was conducted at the Delhi Police Headquarters where senior officials from the states of Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir and Chandigarh were present.
What did the officials say?
The discussions took place on how to guarantee a peaceful and problem-free celebration of Independence Day through effective coordination between different law enforcement agencies, officials informed.
The discussion was attended by senior police officers, including special commissioners responsible for various sections like Law & Order, Special Cell, Traffic, Protective Security Division, Crime, Transport and Intelligence.
The participants shared information on intelligence inputs and discussed the anti-terror preparedness, including strengthening border security measures, verifying suspicious persons and carrying out preventive security measures throughout the region, officials said.
