'Terrorists won't have a blast on Diwali'

Say Delhi police officials, as security has been scaled up in the Capital, keeping in mind the recent High Court blast and recovery of explosives in Ambala

The festival of Diwali has been a favourite with terrorists. Delhi police is trying to change that. Security has been beefed up in the Capital ahead of the festivities next week and cops are taking no chances in view of the recent activities of terrorists, who seem to have eyes set on the city.

On alert
"A week ago a possible terror strike was foiled by special cell of Delhi police after they seized 5 kg of explosives from a car in Ambala. The explosives were to be used in Delhi on the occasion of Deepawali. After this incident we have been more vigilant. The Delhi High Court blast had also raised questions on security.


A police constable checks a box being carried by a person at
Lajpat Nagar Central Market in New Delhi on Friday

So we don't want anyone to blame us this festive season," said a top brass official, who chose to remain anonymous. The official said that more than 20,000 security personnel have been deployed across the city in view of the threat perception.

"This year alone, terror groups have succeeded twice to execute their plans outside the High Court. 15 people were killed in the second incident. In festive seasons they can strike at major places, but police is ready to deal with them," he added.

The Delhi police is also taking the services of ten other security agencies to maintain vigilance across the capital. Extra forces have also been pressed into service in the Capital. "Delhi has been on the radar of terror organisations. According to IB inputs, they can strike in this festive season. We have made all preparations to deal with any eventuality," said the police official.

Eyes in the sky
The police said that they have got CCTV cameras installed at all the main markets of Delhi as this will help them nab any suspects before they are able to execute their plans. "Karol Bagh, Lajpat Nagar Central market, Sadar Bazar, South Extension and some other famous markets are now under CCTV surveillance," said the official.


Cops maintaining vigilu00a0at Lajpat Nagar Central Market in the Capital on Friday



Cops are checking everyone and their baggage at every marketplace. Around ten to fifteen personnel have been deputed at each market. "Each market has three to five entry points. At each gate, three personnel will be on duty," said the police.

Security on track
Apart from markets, the railways have also enhanced security arrangements at major stations. To monitor movements of passengers, cameras have been installed at key points.
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Those who work on contract basis at railway stations have been asked to wear uniforms during duty time and wear ID cards.

The railways are also installing nine new luggage scanners at New Delhi and Anand Vihar stations to facilitate faster checking of baggage during rush hours.