Snipers deployed, Central Vista project on halt: Elaborate security for R-Day parade months after terror attack

(Image: PTI)

Ahead of Republic Day parade at the Kartavya Path, tight security has been put in place in the national capital to ensure a safe and smooth environment for all attendees, officials said.

A multi-layered security cordon comprising the Delhi Police and paramilitary forces has been deployed across the entire area.

All construction-related activity around Kartavya Path under the Central Vista project has been halted due to heightened security measures, officials aware of the matter told the Hindustan Times, adding that the directions to this effect were issued by the defence ministry last week.

The defence ministry’s security division has instructed that no labour tokens be issued to construction workers at sensitive locations in the New Delhi area where work is underway.

“The change in the modus operandi of terrorists, who are now resorting to sneaking and stand-off attacks, gives us all the more reason to be highly alert and security conscious for the successful and smooth celebrations,” the defence ministry circular said, according to HT.

Snipers at all high-rise buildings

Furthermore, several unprecedented security measures have been put in place this year across the New Delhi area and around the Red Fort, particularly in view of the car blast reported near the Red Fort earlier on November 10.

“There are around 75 government and private offices in and around New Delhi that will remain closed. In previous years, buildings would be sealed and offices shut, with snipers — mostly from the National Security Guard — deployed at select high-rises. This time, the number of snipers has been doubled, and an anti-drone team has been deployed at each building,” an official aware of the arrangements told HT.