M A I N   N E W S

Tightest-ever security for R-Day

New Delhi, January 24
Facing the ‘toughest challenge’ from terrorist outfits, the Delhi Police and central agencies have mounted the tightest-ever security measures in the Capital with the deployment of NSG commandoes and sharpshooters, minesweeping squads, snipers, anti-sabotage teams and air defence artillery for the 53rd Republic Day.

“The security arrangements this year will be the most intensive as the internal security scenario is very tough and sensitive in view of the October 1 terrorist attack on Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, the December 13 Parliament strike and January 22 firing at American Center in Kolkata,’’ Delhi Police chief Ajai Raj Sharma told reporters.

Sharp shooters and commandoes of the Delhi Police and the NSG have fanned out in all parts of the Capital as nearly 75,000 security personnel armed with highly-sophisticated automatic weapons, have turned it into a virtual fortress.

More than 57,000 squad of the police and about 18,000 paramilitary forces, Special Protection Group (SPG), Defence and Intelligence officials are guarding the main venue of the function on the Raj Path, the parade route, important government and defence establishments, multi-storeyed buildings, embassies, airport, railway stations, bus terminus and borders.

“Threats from terrorist organisations like the Lashkar-e-Toiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and Harkat-ul-Mujahideen among others are very high and they will try to make all attempts to disturb the peaceful atmosphere around the Republic Day celebrations,’’ a top Intelligence official from the Delhi Police said.

The security arrangements are being reviewed by Home Minister L. K. Advani who is holding regular meetings with the heads of the Intelligence Bureau, Central Bureau of Investigation, Delhi Police, SPG, NSG and other central forces.

In an effort to prevent any sabotage from the skies, air defence Artillery has been deployed to intercept any unmanned flying object, the Police Commissioner said.

Northern Railway (NR) on Thursday announced temporary suspension of movement of trains on Tilak Bridge from 10.30 a.m. to 12 noon on account of security reasons on Republic Day. UNI

K.R. Narayanan’s Address today

New Delhi, January 24 The President’s Address to the nation on the eve of Republic Day tomorrow will be telecast live by Doordarshan at 7 p.m. on DD-I in English, followed by a Hindi version. It would be telecast on all Doordarshan channels except DD sports. The regional version of the President’s message will be telecast at 10.30 pm tomorrow night. UNI

President K.R. Narayanan with the children who received the Bravery Award, 2001, at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Thursday. — PTI photo