Security tightened across country ahead of Independence Day
Ahead of India's 72nd Independence Day on August 15, security has been tightened across the country while special traffic arrangements have been made in the national capital. Over 70,000 security personnel have been deployed across Delhi as Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation on Wednesday from the Red Fort.
Police personnel at Red Fort
CCTV cameras have been installed at various places and streets to keep an eye on any suspicious persons or activities.
The Central government has made arrangements to tighten security near the Red Fort, the Indira Gandhi International Airport and at various metro stations.
More than 600 additional Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) have been deployed at the metro stations in Delhi and at the airport, to keep an eye on the commuters and for effective scanning of luggage.
Security tightened in Delhi
CISF metro security chief Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Raghubir Lal confirmed meetings were held with various stakeholders like the Delhi Police, Metro authorities as drills were undertaken to fortify security ahead of Independence Day.
"A new control room, armed with over 5,000 CCTVs and other smart tools, has recently been commissioned for the CISF and it will help us in better monitoring operations at stations under its surveillance cover," the DIG said.
Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have also been put on high alert to thwart militants attempting to disrupt official celebrations and functions for August 15.
Jammu and Kashmir on high alert
The Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium in Srinagar is being monitored by the security forces ahead of the main function to be organised at the venue. All roads leading to the venue have been blocked by cross parking of security force vehicles and coils of concertina wire.
"All usual security precautions and arrangements have been put in place," SP Vaid, Director General of Police (DGP), said on Monday.
"In addition, we are taking sufficient extra steps to ensure that everything passes off peacefully on August 15," he said.
Heavy deployment of manpower has been put in place, while various high-rise buildings have been installed with electronic access control equipment and CCTV cameras to overlook important venues.
