NEW DELHI: For the first time, paragliders and drone detectors will watch over Red Fort — from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation during the 70th Independence Day celebrations on Monday.
SUSHIL KUMAR/HTSecurity personnel rehearse at Red Fort on Saturday ahead of the Independence Day celebrations.
The national capital’s security has been tightened with over 12,000 policemen and several companies of paramilitary forces deployed on the routes to the monument.
The police will deploy ‘spotters’— special commandos equipped with fully automatic assault rifles and high-tech gadgets.
Over 400 sharpshooters will be positioned on all high-rise buildings around the venue. National Security Guards, Border Security Force and SWAT commandos will be at strategic locations, said police.
Guards will stand at 605 balconies and 104 windows that open towards Red Fort. “The commandos will be spread out within a 500-metre radius around the venue. We will have policemen in plainclothes,” a police source said.
Twenty-five cops at a control room near the venue will monitor the live feed from 600 CCTV cameras. Cameras will take panoramic photos of the venue, said police. “Dog squads are being sent on the venue five times a day for thorough checks. We will have our quick reaction teams on standby,” a senior police officer said.
The city’s borders have been sealed. The area over Red Fort will be a no-fly zone during the celebrations. Crucial spots such as Parliament complex, international airport, railway stations, inter-state bus terminals and Metro stations will be under vigil.
The traffic police have restricted traffic movement. “Detailed traffic deployment will be in place to facilitate the movement of VIP vehicles, invitees and the general public. Public are requested not to touch any suspicious object. They are requested to immediately report about the presence of any suspicious movements…to the nearest policeman,” said joint commissioner of police, Garima Bhatnagar.
Goods vehicles won’t be allowed between Nizamuddin Bridge and Wazirabad bridge. Interstate Buses will not be allowed between Maharana Pratap ISBT and Sarai Kale Khan. Local buses won’t operate on Ring Road and between Hanuman Setu and Bhairon Road ‘T’ Point between 4 am and 11 am on Monday, said police.
SECURITY CHECK AT JAMIA VARSITY
Policemen reportedly conducted a “routine check” at Jamia Millia Islamia University on Saturday ahead of the Independence Day. Students protested against police entering the university and said they raided the boys’ hostel and disrupted classes.
“How can police enter any university without permission from the court or the university? This is clearly yet another attempt by the government to harass the students,” said student and National Students Union of India member, Laraib Ahmed.
Police said the checks were a part of the Independence Day routine. “The checks are a part of the security drill. We have got 1,500 forms filled in the district to ensure that no outsider is living in the area. This is to ensure residents’ safety,” said a senior police officer. The university said it was a routine check. “This is not a raid. Students have misconceived it. This was just to check that everything is fine in terms of security,” said university media co-ordinator, Iftekhar Ahmad.