LG reviews Delhi security, orders more police deployment

In the wake of the Paris terror attacks, Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung on Sunday reviewed the security arrangements in the capital and instructed the security forces to be on alert with additional deployment at public places.

"I have issued instructions to all police stations to keep extra vigil in their areas with the deployment of additional forces at pickets and vulnerable public places including markets, hotels, malls, airports and railway stations," Jung said after a review meeting in Delhi.

The meeting was attended by all special commissioner-rank officers of Delhi Police two days after Islamic State terrorists massacred nearly 130 people in multiple strikes in the French capital.

Delhi Police's crime branch unit, intelligence wing and Special Cell, which is the specialised unit for tackling anti-terror activities, have also been briefed.

Just after the news of the Paris terror attack was received, security was stepped up in the city on Saturday, especially outside the French embassy and government buildings.

The capital now looks like a fortress, with enhanced security arrangements especially in the Chanakypuri diplomatic enclave and other crucial locations like the Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi's half a dozen railway stations and as many bus terminals, and the Delhi Metro network.

Delhi Police officers informed the Lt. Governor that vigil is being kept around prominent hotels, malls and markets.

"All adequate measures have been taken with round-the-clock alert to handle any emergency situation," said a senior police official.

Security is being upgraded in and around crowded markets and office buildings in the Lutyens' Zone which houses offices of many ministries and residences of many VIPs.

A meeting of senior officials was also held on Saturday, and police were asked to report any untoward happening in areas under their jurisdiction.

Deployment of Quick Response Teams (QRTs) and police pickets on Delhi's borders with adjoining states has been increased.

The security review meeting also decided to rejuvenate the 'eyes and ears' scheme -- where members of the public are asked to inform or alert police about any untoward incident or development -- and to hold meetings with all stakeholders.

"Special security and traffic arrangements have also been made at the India International Trade Fair currently on at Pragati Maidan," the official said.