Delhi on high alert after army announces surgical strikes across LoC

After India’s “surgical strike” across the Line of Control in Pakistan, the Delhi police on Thursday increased security across the city.

After India’s “surgical strike” across the Line of Control, the Delhi police on Thursday increased security across the city.

After India’s ‘surgical strike’ across the Line of Control, the Delhi police on Thursday increased security across the city.(Virendra Singh Gosain/HT File Photo)

All senior officers were told to remain alert and ensure sufficient police presence at markets and tourist places. Home ministry sources said national security adviser Ajit Doval spoke to the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Delhi police commissioner, asking them to be on high alert.

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The anti-terror unit, emergency response vehicles and SWAT teams were asked to be on guard. On Thursday evening, barricades were also placed at major roads, with security personnel checking every suspicious vehicle.

“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,” said a senior police officer.

On Thursday, more pickets were put up outside the residence of VVIPs and also in areas around the Parliament.

Police sources said after the Uri attack on September 18, the IB 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,” a police source confirmed.

With 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.

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,” a source said.

Also, the police are keeping a watch on the vehicles that have been stolen in the past one week. “The dates of missing and stolen vehicles are being checked and the figures are being comprehensively reviewed, as these vehicles could be used for terror-related activities,” a police 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.