Security alert issued in Delhi ahead of Independence Day

The Indian Security agencies on Sunday sent the Delhi Police an alert regarding terrorist organisations planning to carry out terror operation across the nation and near the Red Fort.

Sources said that terrorists are planning to execute bomb blasts in areas near the Red Fort for which security has been tightened in Delhi NCR.

"The security agencies have warned us that terrorists can use government vehicle. They will be wearing an official uniform in a bid to give police a slip. They may have IED and vehicle laden with explosive to execute their plan," source said.

An official said that terrorists can use Afghanistan passport to enter India. Their aim is to create tension among different communities, especially in Delhi, Ghaziabad and Lucknow. Police are keeping an eye on border areas of Delhi. Bus stations in neighbouring states have been kept on watch as terrorists may use a bus to enter Delhi.

"Apart from targeting locals, VVIP of Delhi and Banglore are too on their radar. ISI is lending them money and shelter to execute terror activities in India," said source. Some calls have also been intercepted, they said.

"The terrorist organisations, which are constantly in touch with the ISI and Pakistan-based masterminds, want to teach us a lesson and can go to any extent. But we are ready to take them on. Not only Delhi, but all the major cities are put on alert," another police official said quoting IB RAW message.

The official said that more than 20,000 policemen, including the Paramilitary forces, will be deployed around the Red Fort to foil any terror attack.

According to the information, more than 1500 CCTV cameras have been installed near sensitive places, through which security agencies will be keeping an eye on suspected people.

A Delhi Police official said that they were keeping a close eye on the refugee colonies in Delhi. Colonies, where Rohingyas are living, are also being thoroughly checked, they said.

A red alert has also been issued at all the airports and railway stations in the country, including those in Delhi.

According to the information, Bureau of Civil Aviation had written a letter to police and security agencies asking them to provide more security ahead of Independence Day.

"We will search parking area and will remove all illegal cars parked at airports. Drones have been banned near airports," the official said.

Another advisory has been issued in which the security agencies have warned police about the fidayeen-style attack near prominent places in Delhi, especially at the Red fort.

However, the officials were tight lip over the matter and said they won't divulge information.

"We can only say that we are using tyre busters to avoid all kind of attacks. At any place where there is a public gathering, we will put barricade and will be equipped with tyre busters. If any suspected vehicle is found, we will deflate it with tyre buster to avoid any untoward incident," the official said.

Commissioner of Delhi Police has issued directions to all senior officers to follow a Standard Operating Procedure.

In a handwritten note, the commissioner has stressed the need to provide extra security cover to the Kashmiri students. Station House Officers have been told to meet students (where they live in large number) and give assurance that security will be provided to them.

Since August 8, no one is allowed to enter the Red Fort. Dog squad and bomb squad conduct search operation twice a day there.

Earlier, the Delhi metro was put on high alert in the wake of Independence Day. The authorities had issued a fresh advisory announcing high alert after there were non-specific inputs, a report said.

The security alert sounded across Delhi in the view of the latest development on Jammu and Kashmir and the Independence Day celebration.

On August 5, the Centre scrapped a provision under Article 370 that provided special status to Jammu and Kashmir. This heightened tensions across the country following which special security arrangements were made in Delhi as well as J&K.