Enter, battlefield Delhi

With the Delhi blasts and Mumbai attacks still fresh in people's memory, the Delhi Police are not taking any chances this Republic Day.

With the Delhi blasts and Mumbai attacks still fresh in people's memory, the Delhi Police are not taking any chances this Republic Day.

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Keeping in view intelligence inputs about possible strikes, in the next few days the Capital would be transformed into a virtual fortress with 20,000 gun-toting policemen being stationed across the city.

As many as 198 companies of Delhi Police reserve forces and 55 companies of central para-military forces will be deployed. Three helicopters have also been assigned for air surveillance.

Commissioner of Police Y.S. Dadwal said: "After the Mumbai attacks we are not taking any chances. There will be heightened security on the borders. We appeal Delhiites to cooperate with us during the checks in the next few days."

Dadwal said commandoes and 'hit teams' would be deployed at key points.

Other than three helicopters for air surveillance, an additional chopper with National Security Guard commandoes will be on standby.

The police will conduct checks of the outer ring road. "Anti-aircraft guns will be placed. The deployment will start at the time of the parade rehearsals," said Delhi Police spokesperson Rajan Bhagat. Bhagat added that electronic surveillance would also be increased.