Delhi turns into fortress on 69th Republic Day

New Delhi: A heavy blanket of security cover donned the national capital as it was put under a tight security with nearly 60,000 security personnel keeping a hawk eye on every nook and corner. The 69th Republic Day passed off peacefully with anti-aircraft guns and sharpshooters deployed in view of the parade that was attended by Asean leaders. 

Barricades were erected on all major roads leading to the parade venue with policemen checking vehicles and informing people about diversions. Mobile hit teams, anti-aircraft guns and sharpshooters had been deployed to keep a watch on the eight-km-long parade route from Rajpath to Red Fort besides nearby localities.

The visiting Asean leaders, after attending the Asean summit on Thur-sday, were the chief gue-sts at the Republic Day parade. Snipers were stationed atop high-rise buil-dings, while scores of CCTV cameras kept a tight vigil on people’s mo-vements on the parade route. Elaborate air defe-nce measures, including deployment of anti-aircr-aft guns, were put in place to secure the airspace.

Nearly 60,000 security personnel drawn from the Delhi police and Central security forces were deployed in Central Delhi. The police also used counter-drone technology to thwart any attack or identify any suspicious flying object, a senior police officer said. Security personnel had identified vulnerable spots such as crowded markets, railway stations, bus stands and other high-value establishments, and efforts have been made to secure them. 

Meanwhile, the traffic police also deployed over 1,500 personnel to manage route diversions and ensure safe and secure passage for the visiting dignitaries. Patrolling in public places was intensified and checking and frisking in Metro, railway stations and bus terminals tightened. 

“The Delhi police had made robust, strategic and multi-layer security arrangements added with anti-terror preparedness. Keeping in view the presence of a large number of foreign heads of states, it is a special occasion and a matter of national pride,” said senior police officer. 

Another officer said that apart from asking the police to be vigilant, they have also told security personnel to be more courteous to visitors and be aware of the various enclosures to guide the people. 

This time, there were additional number of zones created along the parade route which were monitored by a deputy commissioner of police-rank officer, another official said.

The number of doors with metal detectors were also increased to ensure that people do not have to stand in queues while entering, the official said. The movement of commercial flights at Indira Gandhi International Airport was restricted from 10.35 am to 12.15 pm.