Delhi Police has increased the security arrangements in Delhi by deploying over 10,000 police personnel

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High alert in Delhi: Delhi police preparations for the day Independence Day: Security measures being taken 15 August: Independence Day of India Reports warn of a Fidayeen Attack Also Read

New Delhi: Indian Intelligence agencies are on high alert ahead of Independence Day, following reports suggesting that there might be an attempt at a fidayeen attack in Delhi or Punjab around Independence Day. The reports indicated that one or two operatives from a terrorist group active in Jammu might attempt this attack. Times of India cited sources that the attack may not be scheduled for August 15 due to the heavy security presence, but could occur a day or two later.

High alert in Delhi: Delhi police preparations for the day

Following these reports, Delhi Police has increased the security arrangements in Delhi by deploying over 10,000 police personnel. Around 3,000 traffic police officers are deployed and 700 AI-based facial recognition cameras are in New Delhi. Additional police teams and paramilitary forces are stationed at key locations, including IGI Airport, railway stations, bus stands, malls, and markets. Traffic movements will be restricted in some areas. The Delhi police have listed the routes where this restriction will be in effect- Netaji Subhash Marg from Delhi Gate to Chatta Rail, S P Mukherjee Marg from H C Sen Marg to Yamuna Bazar Chowk, Lothian Road from GPO Delhi to Chatta Rail, Nishad Raj Marg from Ring Road to Netaji Subhash Marg, Chandni Chowk Road from Fountain Chowk to Red Fort, Esplanade Road and its Link Road to Netaji Subhash Marg, Ring Road from Rajghat to ISBT.

Independence Day: Security measures being taken

Considering the recent assassination attempt on Former US President Donald Trump, the risk of a sniper attack was also emphasized for the upcoming event. Referencing the Trump attack, Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora highlighted the need for heightened security measures, during a security meeting at the Red Fort. Additional security measures include the area around the Red Fort being designated as a “no kite flying zone” with personnel equipped to intercept any kites, until the 15 August event concludes. Delhi Police has also banned the use of sub-conventional aerial platforms such as hang-gliders, paragliders, and hot air balloons from August 2 to August 16 for security reasons.

15 August: Independence Day of India

The theme for this year’s Independence Day is “Viksit Bharat”. The theme accentuates the Indian government’s vision of transforming India into a developed nation by 2047. This year’s celebrations mark India’s 74th year of independence. This Independence Day, PM Narendra Modi will hoist up the national flag and give his 11th speech at the Red Fort.

Reports warn of a Fidayeen Attack

A Fidayeen attack is an attack executed by militants volunteering to die. It can also be called a suicide attack. Fidayeen is an Arabic word meaning: “those who sacrifice themselves”. According to some sources, it was recently observed in a village bordering Kathua in Jammu&Kashmir, that two unidentified persons were possibly heading towards the nearby city of Pathankot along with weaponry. There were also reports of a consignment of explosives/IEDs reaching a hinterland area of Jammu city on June 1st. The intelligence fears that these explosives could be utilized to target security establishments, camps, vehicles, or vital installations in the coming days.