NEW DELHI: Security has been beefed up across the national capital in the festive season following terror strikes in Jammu and Kashmir and intelligence inputs about possible strike by Pakistan-backed terror outfits like the Jaish-e-Muhammed. The security outside all the important establishments across the city has been stepped up and the private security guards and personnel deployed have been sensitized about possible terror attacks.
The intelligence agencies and Delhi police have issued alerts stating that terror organizations may carry out terror strikes are places with high footfalls.
As Navratras, Durga Puja, Dusshera and Diwali around the corner, tight vigil is expected in all public places. Areas through which processions will pass and other high-footfall areas are high on priority, police said.
The anti-terror units, emergency response vehicles and SWAT teams have been asked to be on alert and deployed outside important locations, including railways stations and airports. The security agencies have laced barricades at all major roads and have intensified checking every suspicious vehicle.
“All the security mechanism has been placed and high alert has been issued. The personnel have been sensitized to remain alert,” said Delhi Police Spokesperson Rajan Bhagat.
A senior IPS officer said: “We have been told to be on high alert. Not just the surgical attack but this is also a festival season. For the past few days, we are in the field in morning and evening rush hours.”
The police have also stepped up security outside the residence of VVIPs and also in areas around the Parliament. Sources said after the Uri attack on September 18, the security had sent alerts of possible terror strikes in Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai, following which security was stepped up in places that see heavy footfall.
Security has been increased on campuses, in markets, malls, airport, temples, multiplexes, metro stations, hospitals and hotels after recent intelligence inputs indicated probable terrorist strike threats against them.
In addition to increased patrolling and police presence across Delhi districts, all station house officers have been told to ensure that CCTV cameras in their areas are functioning. “We have started the checks in phases. The CCTV cameras that were not functional are being fixed on priority. The places include crowded marketplaces, malls (and) parking lots. The district DCPs have also been asked to check the fitness of the quick reaction team vehicles and prepare a report,” the officer said.
The special cell has also been directed to put all its strength on the ground. “The SWAT teams have been strengthened and five teams instead of three have been positioned on the ground. Leaves of all operational officers have been cancelled till the festival season,” an officer said.
The police has also banned the use of all sub-conventional aerial platforms, ranging from drones to paragliders, from October 11 to November 6.
Police have also appealed to people, shopkeepers and people travelling by train, bus and Metro to watch their surroundings and alert the police on seeing anything suspicious.