The national capital was today brought under an unprecedented ground-to-air security cover with thousands of armed personnel keeping a tight vigil for the 67th Republic Day celebrations where French President Francois Hollande was the chief guest.
The area around Central Delhi was turned into virtual fortress in view of intelligence inputs that terror groups may target some important installations in the city.
Ahead of the Republic Day celebrations, central security agencies and NIA busted a module by arresting 14 militants linked to terror group ISIS.
The group had planned to carry out sensational strikes at important installations and its members had also visited the national capital, official sources said.
Commandos with light machine guns were deployed at 10 strategic locations and anti-aircraft guns remained positioned at two vantage points in the capital.
The entire region of Central and New Delhi had nearly 50,000 security personnel drawn from Delhi Police and central security forces guarding every nook and corner.
Special arrangements were made at the historic Rajpath where India's military might was on display.
Hollande was seated along with President Pranab Mukherjee and host of VVIPs including Vice President Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The enclosure of the VVIPs was put under a multi-layer security ring with Presidential Guards and officials of SPG and NSG guarding the two inner-most orbits and Delhi Police entrusted with guarding the outermost circle, said a senior official.
Special patrolling teams, comprising three officials including a commando, were deployed in New Delhi area within two-kilometer radius from India Gate.
Senior officials said snipers have been put on 45 buildings overlooking Rajpath besides providing a similar cover along all the buildings along the parade route.
Gunners have been given clear instructions to bring down any aerial object flying without permission. A 'NOTAM' (Notice to Airmen) has been declared from 10.35 AM to 12.15 PM during which no flights will land or take off at the Indira Gandhi International Airport.
"Specially trained police personnel with light machine guns have been deployed at 10 strategic spots in New Delhi area," a senior police official said.
The advisory that has been issued to security agencies
stated that "it is imperative for the security forces to be familiar with the range of threats for devising appropriate counter means" in view of the use of conventional weapons by the terrorists.
The security forces were also asked to ensure proper frisking and checking of police personnel since there is a possibility that terrorists may disguise themselves as security personnel.
Security agencies have also been warned that some Muslim extremist organisations are planning 9/11 type of attacks using aeroplanes carrying personnel and weapons on board.
No commercial flights will land or take off at the Indira Gandhi International Airport from 10.35 AM to 12.15 PM.
As part of the security drill, Delhi Police has set up a wireless integrated public address (WIPA) system to enhance security at crowded places and popular markets in the city.
WIPA is a centralised public address system now installed at 31 crowded places and markets in Delhi, and also in 13 major metro stations.
Security agencies have also sealed 71 buildings in close proximity of Rajpath which is the Republic Day parade route. Security personnel have been deployed on rooftops.
Even bonafide citizens of Lutyens' zone, including MPs and officers of the armed forces, have been either issued special passes or have to establish their identities to enter the zone.
Spectators have been made to pass through a stringent multi-layered security check to be able to watch the parade and they were not allowed to carry any electronic gadgets to the venue.
Muksh Kumar Meena, Special Commissioner of Police, New Delhi range said, "There is foolproof security in place. senior officers of Delhi Police will be patrolling the area while borders have been sealed.
