Security beefed up in many states ahead of 71st R-Day celebrations

New Delhi:Tight security measures have been put in place in Delhi ahead of the 71st Republic Day which is on Sunday. In the backdrop of security alerts and ongoing anti-CAA protests across the country, around 40,000 security personnel have been deployed across the National Capital. 

Special vigil will be on 8-km long parade route from Rajpath to Red Fort on January 26, police said on Friday. Sharpshooters and snipers will be deployed atop high-rise buildings to keep a watch on the parade route. 

A total of 150 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras have been installed at several locations including Chandni Chowk, Red Fort and Yamuna Khadar.There has been an enhancement in security checking and frisking of commuters at all Delhi metro stations. 

Security has also been stepped up at Railway stations, Airport and bus terminals.No traffic will be allowed on Rajpath from Vijay Chowk to India Gate from 1800 hrs on Saturday till the parade gets over on Sunday.The police has also asked hotels, taxi and auto drivers to remain alert. Besides, security guards and members of 

Delhi police team were briefed about the 'eyes and ear' scheme. Anti-terror measures like tenant and servant verification, border checking, security of vital installations, malls and markets, patrolling in areas with heavy footfall are being carried out.

According to a traffic advisory, flying of sub-conventional aerial platforms like para-gliders, para-motors, hang gliders, UAVs, UASs, microlight aircraft, remotely piloted aircraft, hot air balloons, small size powered aircraft, quadcopters or para jumping from aircraft are prohibited over the jurisdiction of the National Capital Territory of Delhi till February 15.

Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik had held meetings with senior officers, personnel and emphasised on anti-terror measures, crime prevention and security arrangements in the national capital in view of Republic Day celebrations and the February 8 Delhi Assembly elections.

Security tightened in Jammu for ''incident free'' R-Day celebrations

Jammu: The winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir has been put under siege while security has also been enhanced for peaceful Republic Day celebrations here on Saturday.

Police, paramilitary CRPF and Army personnel have been deployed in the region to keep an eye on any suspicious activity.

''Security apparatus is tightened and in place in all the places in Jammu and round the clock security has been provided to all the venues for the R-Day celebration,'' a senior police officer said here.

He said that troops were maintaining a strict vigil on all the main roads especially on the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway to thwart any plans of militants to disrupt the celebrations.

However, barricades have also been set up at many places especially at all the entry points leading to the Maulana Azad Stadium where the main function will be held.

''The security agencies are on a heightened alert in view of escalated ceasefire violations along international border and the Line of Control,'' an official said.''All the vehicles entering or leaving the city are being frisked, suspicious activities are being monitored and additional Quick Reaction Teams have been deployed on all the vulnerable routes in view of sensitivity of the situation,'' he added.

Meanwhile, BSF is on alert along international border from Kathua to Akhnoor.The venue has also been sealed and no unwanted vehicle or person is being allowed to move around.

Special pickets are raised also along the banks of River Tawi while search and anti-fog lights are also installed to maintain vigil.

High alert in UP on eve of Republic Day

Lucknow: High alert was sounded in the city by the Uttar Pradesh police on Saturday, the eve of Republic Day.

Security has been tightened at all railway stations, bus stations, airports and other public places with DGP OP Singh directing all the districts to maintain high vigil during the Republic Day functions in their areas.

A senior police officer told UNI here that special monitoring was underway at the Indo-Nepal border and other sensitive areas particularly where the anti-CAA protests were being organised.

In Lucknow, commandos of the ATS have been deployed during the Republic day function in front of the Vidhan Bhawan while  the area would be sealed off from late Saturday night, officials said.UP governor Anandiben Patel would take the salute of the marching contingent during the celebrations on Sunday morning.

  Security has been also been spruced up at the  Hussainabad chowk (Ghantaghar) where the women and children were protesting for the past nine days against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC).

Comprehensive security cover put in place in Southern districts of TN ahead of Republic Day

Madurai:A comprehensive security cover has been thrown in the Southern districts and along the entire South Eastern Coast of Tamil Nadu on Saturday ahead of the country's 71st Republic Day celebrations.

Police said heightened security cover has been put in place at the Kudankulam Nuclear Power project (KKNPP) and Indian Space Research Organisation Propulsion Complex (IPRC) at Mahendragiri in Tirunelveli district, V.O.Chidambaranar Port at Thoothukudi, Madurai airport, besides the historic temples, major railway stations, bus stands, railway overbridges and all the vital installations, following the busting of Islamic State (IS) inspired terror modules in Southern States and series of arrest of several radicalized Islamic youths.

Security measures have also been beefed up at Thanjavur Air Force Station, Tiruchirapalli International Airport and all other vital installations in Central region of the State.

A multi-layered security cover was put in place in the Indian territorial waters along the south eastern coast supported by "air and sea" surveillance by the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Tamil Nadu Marine Police.

The Navy and ICG were maintaining a close vigil along the International Maritime Boundary Line to thwart any kind of intrusion by anti-social elements via sea route.(UNI)