Nation celebrates Republic Day amid tight security

A heavy security blanket was thrown around the capital for the Republic Day with snipers and mobile hit teams fanned across the city to thwart terror attempts to disrupt the national celebrations. Padma Bhushan for Rahman, Aamir | Padma Winners| Republic Day Special

A heavy security blanket was on Tuesday thrown around the capital for the Republic Day with snipers and mobile hit teams fanned across the city to thwart terror attempts to disrupt the national celebrations.

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The security measures were planned in the backdrop of intelligence inputs about Pak-based Lashker-e-Taiba acquiring over 50 para-gliding equipment which could be used to launch an air-borne suicide attack.

A ground-to-air security apparatus has been put in place for the celebrations while over 15,000 security personnel kept a tight watch between Vijay Chowk and Red Fort, the 8 km long route through which the parade showcasing the country's diversity and military prowess passes through.

192 companies (over 15,000) police and paramilitary personnel are being deployed on the parade route. This is apart from the resources available with New Delhi and Central Delhi police districts.

A senior police official said a multi-layer security ring was put in place at Rajpath.

Mobile hit teams, anti-aircraft guns and sharpshooters of the National Security Guards was deployed at various places. Snipers were deployed at high-rise buildings, specially on the parade route, while a total of 105 CCTVs have been installed to keep a vigil on people's movement between Rajpath and Red Fort.