70th Independence Day: Multi-tier security at Red Fort, cops on alert across nation

As India gears up to celebrate 70th Independence Day on Monday, heavy security deployment can be seen across various cities to maintain peace and harmony.

# Multi-tier security shield at Red Fort, nearby areas ahead of

More than 8,000 security personnel, including 5,000 men from Delhi Police, have been tasked with ensuring foolproof security arrangement at the venue where a large number of foreign dignitaries and general public will be present on the occasion, a senior police official said.

A special team of NSG snipers and commandos will form the inner layers of the security cordon. Anti-aircraft guns have been deployed to thwart any aerial intrusion by objects like drones and projectiles, they said.

# Delhi police prohibits aerial activities

Ahead of Independence Day, the Delhi Police issued an order prohibiting aerial activities of several kinds including para-gliding, UAVs, hot air baloons, till the second week of October.

The restrictions that will continue till October 10 involve para-gliders, para-motors, hang gliders, UAVs, UASs, microlight aircraft, remotely piloted aircraft, hot air balloons, small-size powered aircraft, quadcopters and para jumping from aircraft among others.

Special teams of police have been stationed on August 15 to neutralise the possibility of any airborne-activity such as drones.

# Security agencies on high alert in Punjab and Haryana

Security has been tightened across Punjab, especially in border districts, and Haryana and Chandigarh ahead of Independence Day.

Security has been strengthened at the venues where dignitaries will unfurl the Tricolour. A strict vigil is being maintained at important railway stations including Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Panipat, Ambala, besides key inter-state bus terminals and other vital installations, the officials said.

# Security beefed up in and around Kolkata, districts

Security has been tightened to avoid any untoward incident and entry and exit points of the metropolis have been kept under extensive watch as part of the enhanced security measures across West Bengal, a senior officer of the Kolkata Police told a news agency.

Leaves of all policemen across the state have been cancelled till August 20, officials said.

# Massive security setup in Jammu

"Keeping in view the upcoming Independence Day, present security scenario in the state and impending threats from militants, frisking points have been established in Jammu as well as in rural areas for the security and safety of public," Senior Superintendent of Police (Jammu) Sunil Gupta said.

"People are requested to cooperate with police while at checks and frisking points, do not feel it as harassment by the police," he said.