India enhances security ahead of Independence Day

NEW DELHI - India has beefed up security at vital installations across the country ahead of its Independence Day Wednesday, sources said.

"Acting on a tip-off by the Intelligence Bureau, the government has stepped up security at railway stations, airports and other vital installations across the country. Intelligence inputs suggest that Pakistan-based banned terror outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba is planning to use its women cadre and a trained pilot from Yemen to hijack planes from major airports across India and to launch strikes at airports," they said.

However, the security forces are ready to foil any such terror attack, the sources added.

In fact, nearly 6,000 security personnel will be deployed in the national capital, which is being turned into a fortress, ahead of the 65th Independence Day function at Red Fort and a number of sharpshooters of the National Security Guards will be deployed at tall buildings along with anti-aircraft guns on the ground.

"With deployment of 6,000 police personnel, three zones of security arrangement will be put into place during the event. At least 58 CCTV cameras will be installed on the periphery of Red Fort. Our focus will be on strict vigil during the function at the venue. The 5,000 seating capacity in and outside the fort which will include VVIPs too," Deputy Commissioner of Delhi Police (North) Sindhu Pillai told the media.

India's witnessed a major terror attack in November 2008 when 10 Pakistani militants entered Mumbai through sea route and carried out the mayhem which claimed the lives of over 170 people, including six foreigners. India claims Lashkar-e-Toiba is responsible for the attack.

India got its independence from Britain on August 15, 1947 and became a republic on January 26, 1950.