Security tightened in Agra ahead of Obama's visit

Security has been tightened in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, ahead of U.S. President Barack Obama's visit to the city on January 27.

Following a reported threat by Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed that he plans to target an unspecified area on the New Delhi-Agra Expressway, security has been beefed up in and around Agra.

"There is no such threat specifically for the city. We have been preparing for the last ten days in respect to all the areas that President Obama will be visiting," said Senior Superintendent of Police of Agra Rajesh Modak.

Ahead of Obama's visit, Agra Police and the District Administration are already engaged in security arrangements.

Meetings have been conducted with the owners of hotels situated around the Taj Mahal. Security in and around the Taj Mahal has also been strengthened.

"To deal with all the social elements patrolling vehicles with sufficient police force have been deployed. Security arrangements have also been done for the general public," T.S. Yadav, a security official, said.

Obama will be the first U.S. President to be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations. He will be on a three-day trip starting January 25.

He is expected to hold talks with the Indian leadership in New Delhi on key issues of mutual importance to both countries.