The Home Ministry on Friday issued a security alert for Delhi, Mumbai and all states adjoining Pakistan ahead of India celebrating its 69th Independence Day on Saturday.
The security alert has reportedly been issued in anticipation of a possible terror threat. This action has also been taken in the wake of the Gurdaspur and Udhampur terror strikes.
In Jammu and Kashmir, the state government on Friday imposed restrictions on several parts of Srinagar and placed some separatist leaders under house arrest.
At least six police stations in Srinagar's old city are on high alert to prevent supporters of separatist leaders from creating an adverse law and order situation.
Police personnel have been deployed around the Grand Jamia Masjid where Mirwaiz was scheduled to address after the Friday prayers. People are not being allowed to offer prayers at the Jamia Masjid today.
There are reports also of the chairperson of the Duktharian-e-Millat, Asiya Andrabi, along with her dozens of supporters hoisted Pakistani flags at an undisclosed location in the city.
A three-tier security arrangement has been put in place in and around the city, in view of Independence Day celebrations.
The venue of Independence Day Parade, Srinagar's Bakshi Stadium, has been completely sanitized and sharp shooters have been deployed in and around the stadium.
Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayed will hoist the tricolour on August 15.
The MHA had earlier issued warnings of possible terror attacks on important installations in India by various terror outfits, including Indian Mujahideen (IM), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Tahrik-e-Furqan (TeF), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Pasban-e-Ahle Hadis (PAH).
The MHA alert said that Lashkar-e-Taiba has been asked by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) to coordinate with the terror groups.
Besides, Intelligence Bureau (IB) has also warned of possible terror attack on or ahead of Independence Day, based on calls intercepted between handlers from Pakistan and the militants apparently hiding in India. The handlers have been heard asking militants to attack the Indian Army camps and convoys of other security forces.
The 2015 Independence Day speech, which will be Modi's second as Prime Minister.
In Delhi, at least 200 specially trained commandos of National Security Guard (NSG), Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) and Border Security Force (BSF) will be deployed within 500 metres of the Red Fort as part of the five-tier security cover for the event.
Media reports said that the commandos have been armed with Beretta assault rifles and high-tech communication gadgets. They will be in body armour, protective helmets, knee pads and gloves.
In addition, Modi will be provided with bullet-resistant glass shield on the stage, unlike last year when he addressed the gathering without one.
Security agencies have established a no-fly zone over Delhi for the Independence Day celebration. Two ultra high-resolution cameras will be placed at the two towers of the Red Fort to keep a vigil.
Over 100 specially designed metal detectors will be installed in and around the Red Fort. At least 6,000 security personnel from Delhi Police and paramilitary forces will be deployed in and around the fort and the routes that will be taken by Modi's cavalcade and other VVIPs. Over 1,000 CCTV cameras for surveillance
The route will also be equipped with CCTV cameras. More than 300 CCTV cameras have already been installed and installation of nearly 700 is in progress.
The inputs from all these CCTV cameras will be monitored by senior officials at a control room that has been set up at the Red Fort.
