New Delhi, January 23
Defence Minister AK Antony on Saturday warned of more terrorist attacks and infiltration bids along the Line of Control that divides Kashmir between India and Pakistan, but said the armed forces were prepared to counter these threats.

“In the last two months, the attempts to infiltrate into Kashmir have increased. The trend will continue as those inimical to our country see that the situation in Kashmir is improving and they cannot tolerate it,” Antony told reporters here.

“India has to be ready for more attempts at infiltration and terrorist attacks, and we assure that the armed forces will take every step to counter them,” he said, speaking on the sidelines of a function organised by the India chapter of an NGO, Transparency International.

The Defence Minister visited Kashmir earlier this month to assess the security situation in the valley.

During his visit, Antony said the local police would be given more responsibility for maintaining law and order but after reviewing the security situation.

Last year, the armed forces withdrew nearly 30,000 troops from Jammu and Kashmir.

Meanwhile, over 15,000 police and paramilitary personnel will secure the 8-km Republic Day parade route from Vijay Chowk to Red Fort on Tuesday when the country showcases its cultural diversity and military might during the national celebrations.

According to Special Commissioner (Traffic) Ajay Chadha, 192 companies of security personnel will be deployed in and around the parade route from early Tuesday morning.

“This will be in addition to the forces available with district police as Delhi will be on high alert,” Chadha told reporters here.

Elaborate traffic arrangements have also been made for Tuesday. Vehicles will not be allowed to enter the parade route while Metro services will be curtailed.

“There will be restrictions on Metro services till 12 noon on 26th. Trains from Dwarka will terminate on Barakhamba while those from Jehnagirpuri will terminate at Rajiv Chowk. From Anand Vihar, the trains will come till Yamuna Bank while those from Noida will terminate at Indraprashta,” he said.

Delhi borders will be sealed from 11 pm on Monday night to Tuesday 12 noon. Park and ride facility has been set up at Vinay Marg and Palika parking for invitees.

“They can park their vehicles at these facilities and a DTC bus will take them to Rajpath,” he said.

A massive ground-to-air security apparatus will also be put in place in the capital ahead of the Republic Day.

Mobile hit teams, anti-aircraft guns and sharpshooters of the National Security Guards will be deployed at various places, while paramilitary and Delhi Police commandos will keep a close watch along the parade route.

Snipers will be deployed at high-rise buildings while a total of 105 CCTVs have been installed to keep a vigil on people’s movement between Rajpath and Red Fort.

A multi-layer security ring will be put in place at Rajpath, where President Pratibha Patil will unfurl the Tricolour and take the salute of marching contingents, a senior police official said.

“A special emphasis is being laid on anti-sabotage checks, access control measures and intelligence coordination The entire route of the parade will be covered by special security and anti-terror arrangements.

Elaborate air defence measures, including deployment of anti-aircraft guns, have also been taken to check possible intrusion of air space,” he said.

Besides, helicopters of the Indian Air Force will hover over the areas around Rajpath and all along the route of the parade, the official said. — Agencies