Heavily-armed security men keep guard of capital

Thousands of heavily-armed security personnel kept guard of the national capital on Independence Day on Saturday, roaming streets and checking vehicles to pre-empt any terrorist strike during the celebrations.

Thousands of heavily-armed security personnel kept guard of the national capital on Independence Day on Saturday, roaming streets and checking vehicles to pre-empt any terrorist strike during the celebrations.

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An impregnable ground-to-air security apparatus was put in place in the city, especially near Red Fort where Prime Minister Manmohan Singh unfurled the tri-colour and addressed the nation for the sixth consecutive time.

Though there was no specific intelligence input about a possible terror strike, officials said security agencies left no stone unturned to ensure an incident-free Independence Day.

An air defence mechanism was put in place around the 17th century Mughal monument where a host of dignitaries, including ministers, top military leadership and foreign diplomats, listened to the Prime Minister's address.

A no-fly zone was declared around the Red Fort during the function.

Fourty CCTVs were installed in and around the Red Fort to ensure incident-free function, while sharpshooters of the NSG deployed on high-rises near the Mughal monument.

Areas around the Red Fort were sanitised and informers deployed to keep a check on any movement of anti-national elements.

Specialised units like Quick Reaction Teams, Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) and Vajra (of the RAF) were also deployed.