Capital becomes security fortress on I-Day

NEW DELHI: Gun-toting security personnel turned the capital into a fortress as police and paramilitary forces were out in large numbers and a ground-to-air security apparatus was put in place to avert any untoward incident as the country celebrated its 62nd Independence Day today.

With intelligence agencies warning that terror groups may try to target leaders and symbols of national importance during the Independence Day celebrations, about 17,000 security personnel were deployed in and around the Red Fort.

A no-fly zone was declared around the 17th century Red Fort where Prime Minister Manmohan Singh unfurled the national tricolour and addressed the nation. During the entire function at the Red Fort, military helicopters criss-crossed the sky to ward off any aerial threat from militants.

Delhi Police personnel and paramilitary forces kept a tight vigil across the city and stringent checks of vehicles were carried out at all entry points into the capital amidst a threat perception of terrorist strikes.

Barricades were put up at several places to regulate traffic and security was stepped up at railway and Metro stations, inter-state bus terminals, cinema halls and shopping malls.

There was heavy security at prominent buildings like Parliament, the international airport, railway and Metro stations. Besides Delhi Police, personnel of the ITBP and elite National Security Guards pitched in to maintain security in the capital.