India: Security tightened across the country on Republic Day eve

New Delhi, Jan 25 (PTI) A ground-to-air security apparatus was put in place on the eve of India's Republic Day today with security personnel fanning out across various states in a bid to prevent any untoward incident. In the capital, over 25,000 police personnel, including those from paramilitary forces and sharpshooters from NSG, have been deployed in the run-up to the celebrations, which will be attended by Yingluck Shinawatra, the Prime Minister of Thailand who is the chief guest this year. Security has been similarly stepped up in the metropolises and sensitive states like Jammu and Kashmir in the north and those in the North East. As part of the stepped up measures, the airspace over the capital will remain closed for an hour tomorrow from 11.15 AM to 12.15 PM local time. Snipers have been deployed at high-rise buildings while CCTVs are keeping a tight vigil on people's movement between Rajpath, the starting point of the parade in New Delhi and Red Fort, the finishing point in Old Delhi. The parade showcases India's military might and cultural diversity. Mobile hit teams, anti-aircraft guns and sharpshooters of the NSG are also on the job at various places while paramilitary and Delhi Police commandos were keeping a close watch along the eight-kilometre-long route of the parade. Patrolling in crowded market areas has been intensified and checking and frisking in Metro, railway stations and bus terminals tightened. Security at theDelhiairport has also been strengthened. PTI