LIVE UPDATES: India celebrates 70th Republic Day today; security beefed up in Delhi

The nation shall be celebrating its 70th Republic Day on Saturday with a majestic parade displaying its military might and diverse cultural heritage at the Rajpath in Delhi. On the occasion of Republic Day, an unprecedented security cover has been put in place in and around national capital New Delhi.

बैकग्राउंड

New Delhi: The nation shall be celebrating its 70th Republic Day on Saturday with a majestic parade displaying its military might and diverse cultural heritage at the Rajpath in Delhi. On the occasion of Republic Day, an unprecedented security cover has been put in place in and around national capital New Delhi. Security has been beefed up on the eight-km-long Republic Day parade route from Rajpath to the Red Fort in the heart of Delhi with commandos units, mobile hit teams, anti-aircraft guns and sharpshooters being deployed at strategic locations to keep a close watch on suspicious people.The Delhi Police has made requisite security arrangements as a measure to counter any possible terror threat. Two terrorists were nabbed a couple of days ago from the city. Interrogation revealed that they were planning to target important installations and crowded places on the occasion of Republic Day.According to Delhi Police, parakram vans, manned by NSG-trained commandos, have been patrolling strategic locations to ensure that security is not jeopardised. The arrested Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) members had identified Lajpat Nagar market, Haj Manzil, Turkman Gate, Paharganj, India Gate and IGL gas pipeline in east Delhi as potential targets.A senior police officer said around 25,000 security personnel have been deployed at strategic locations in central Delhi, which were on the target of two terroristsSecurity officials have identified vulnerable spots such as crowded markets, railway stations, bus stands and other high-value establishments, and secured them.The traffic police have deployed 3,000 personnel to manage route diversions and ensure a safe and secure passage for the visiting dignitaries.