Security tightened on NH-24 ahead of protest by Shia groups

GHAZIABAD: Security has been beefed up at National Highway 24 by Delhi and Uttar Pradesh Police fearing disruption by Shia groups, which have threatened to march towards Karbala from Ghaziabad today.

Uttar Pradesh Police has deployed around 10 IPS officers and all senior police officials, including SSP, SP (city), SS (rural) all Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSPs) and among others at UP Gate (Gazipur Border).

Protesters are expected to enter Delhi through NH-24. Apart from Uttar Pradesh Police, Delhi Police has also taken preventive steps in view of the protest.

Delhi Police has closed both carriageways from Gazipur flyover to UP border for all types of vehicles and no vehicular traffic is allowed on this stretch.

This morning, hundreds of persons, who came in 10 buses from UP side, were initially stopped at Gazipur Border.

"We initially didn't allow some persons, who belonged to minority community, to enter Delhi. They wanted to enter Delhi for offering 'namaz' and after this, we allowed them to enter the region of National Capital," said a senior UP police officer.

According to Delhi Police, traffic coming from Mother Dairy Road is also not being allowed on NH-24 and diverted towards Chand Cinema and Hindon canal.