Delhi under tight security for festive season

New Delhi, Nov 5 - With memories of the 2005 Diwali-eve serial terror bombing still fresh, the Delhi Police have put in place unprecedented security measures across the capital for the festive season this week.

'It is a festival season and people throng temples and markets in large numbers. So we have tightened security in all 10 districts in the capital,' Delhi Police spokesman Rajan Bhagat said.

'We have deployed extra police control room (PCR) vans, spotters, shooters, close circuit television cameras (CCTV) and metal detectors in all busy and crowded market places. We request people to immediately inform the police about any suspicious object lying unattended,' Bhagat added.

He said around 6,000 additional paramilitary and Delhi Armed Police forces personnel have been deployed at strategic locations in the capital. The number of police personnel patrolling popular markets has also been increased.

'We have sought volunteers' help and have held meetings with market associations, Delhi Metro officials, railway officials and temple authorities regarding the security measures. Cyber cafe owners have been asked to follow strict guidelines already issued to them,' he said, adding that bomb disposal and dogs squads were also on alert.

However, memories of the triple blasts in the capital on Oct 29, 2005, which killed over 60 people ahead of the Diwali festival, still weigh heavily on people's minds.

Said Himanshu Malik, a Delhi University student: 'We have noticed police barricades and police presence around the malls, but we are yet to spot any metal detectors there.'

'We hope we will celebrate the festival without any untoward incident this year,' he added.

'It is good to have increased security, but some cops behave rudely with people in the name of security,' rues Sudesh Sharma, who was visiting a district centre - shopping complex in west Delhi.

Diwali this year will be celebrated Friday.

(c) Indo-Asian News Service

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