Ahead of the 67th Independence Day celebrations, authorities are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that security remains watertight throughout the country.
A ground-to-air security system has been put in place near the Red Fort where Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will unfurl the Tricolour and make his address to the nation on Thursday.
At least 80 companies of security forces (around 6,000 personnel), along with other security personnel in plainclothes, will be deployed at Red Fort and in its vicinity.
No cameras, handbags, briefcases, cigarette lighters, tiffin boxes, mobile phones, water bottles, lunch boxes, etc. will be permitted at Red Fort.
According to television reports, central security agencies have given inputs to police that Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba may try to target markets or places of strategic importance in the city.
Thousands of Delhi police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed at the airport and at market places, railway stations, inter-state bus terminals and metro stations.
In Jammu and Kashmir, a security blanket has been thrown around vital installations and checking intensified across the valley ahead of Independence day to thwart any attempt by militants to disrupt the celebrations.
The tightened security arrangements were made in the wake of surge in infiltration attempts and ceasefire violations from across the border and escalation in militant activities in the Valley.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Police have launched a citywide operation, wherein security was increased at over 700 spots identified as sensitive.
According to TV reports, 'Operation Mumbai Kavach' is a proactive security measure undertaken ahead of Independence Day.
Meanwhile, security measures have also been tightened in Manipur to intercept movement of militants ahead of the Independence Day celebrations.
