Tight security for Republic Day in Bangalore

Police enhanced security and stepped up vigil to ensure peaceful celebrations of the 65th Republic Day Sunday in the city and across the state.

"We have deployed about 2,000 of our personnel across the city and are keeping a close watch on the movement of people and vehicles to prevent any untoward incident and maintain law and order for the Republic Day event," Bangalore Police Commissioner R. Aurodakar told IANS Saturday.

As part of security cover for the main event at the Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw parade ground in the city centre, about 1,000 police personnel, including senior officials, have been stationed at the venue, which has been sanitised and cordoned off for the event.

"We have installed 38 closed circuit television cameras (CCTVs) at strategic locations on the ground and metal detectors at entry gates, pressed sniffer dogs into action and stationed bomb detection squad to ensure fool-proof security and maintain order," Aurodakar said.

Karnataka Governor H.R Bhardwaj will hoist the national flag, inspect guard of honour, receive salute from the security forces and state contingents and address the gathering in presence of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, cabinet ministers, lawmakers and officials.

"Additional forces have been roped in to maintain vigil at public places, including airport, railway stations and bus terminals as part of heightened security and vigil. We have reinforced security at vital installations and sensitive areas for safeguard," the commissioner said.

Besides contingents of defence services (army, airforce and navy), central forces, including paramilitary and industrial forces, 1,800 men, women and youth from the state police, Scouts and Guides and the National Cadet Corps (NCC) will participate in the parade.

"We have stationed a 100-member medical team, including doctors and nurses, and about 20 firefighters with vehicles and equipment at the ground for contingencies," Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) told reporters.

In a related development, traffic police banned parking of vehicles within one km around the parade grounds and said vehicular movements will be regulated to prevent road congestion in the central business district.

To mark the patriotic day and involve the public, many organisations have lined up a slew of cultural and social events across the city.

State-run Indian Institute of Management (IIM-B) is hosting a cultural fest in its B-school campus late Saturday to enthrall music lovers, while Spic Macay is holding the seventh edition of 'Yamini' to treat Hindustani and Carnatic music aficionados.

Theatre artists of Konark Natya Mandap from the eastern state (Odisha) will perform a traditional dance form of Odisha.

Meanwhile, Vande Matharam Social and Cultural Trust has organised Sunday a painting contest 'Colourthon' for the general public, especially boys and girls at Krishna Rao park in Basavangudi in the south east suburb.