Security tightened across the country for Republic Day

A ground-to-air security apparatus was put in place on the eve of Republic Day yesterday with security personnel fanning out across various states in a bid to prevent any untoward incident.

In the capital, over 25,000 police personnel, including those from paramilitary forces and sharpshooters from NSG, have been deployed in the run-up to the celebrations, which will be attended by Yingluck Shinawatra, the first woman Prime Minister of Thailand.

Security has been similarly stepped up in the metropolises and sensitive states like Jammu and Kashmir and the North East.

As part of the stepped up measures, the airspace over the capital will remain closed for an hour today from 11.15 AM to 12.15 PM.

Snipers have been deployed at high-rise buildings while over 160 CCTVs are keeping a tight vigil on people’s movement between Rajpath and Red Fort, the route of the parade which showcases India’s military might and cultural diversity.

Mobile hit teams, anti-aircraft guns and sharpshooters of the NSG are also on the job at various places while paramilitary and Delhi Police commandos were keeping a close watch along the route of the eight-kilometre-long Republic Day parade from Raisana Hills to Red Fort.

A multi-layered security ring has already been put in place at Rajpath, where President Pratibha Patil will unfurl the tricolour and take the salute of marching contingents.

Besides the air defence measures, helicopters of the Indian Air Force will hover around Rajpath and all along the route of the parade.