New Delhi: Security forces across the country were put on high alert on November 4 to ensure peaceful 'Diwali', a day after two terrorists were gunned down by police in a crowded shopping mall in Delhi.

Police, Rapid Action Force and commandos were deployed in many parts of the country, including the national capital.

"Maximum deployment of police personnel has been made," Delhi's joint commissioner of police (operations) A S Khan said, adding all crowded markets had been put under a thick security blanket.

Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) had been placed at vantage points and partolling by police control room vehicles intensified, he said.

"Although a general alert is already on for the last four days in view of 'Diwali' festival, further sensitisation is being done of the police force" following the November 3 incident at Ansal Plaza shopping mall, special commissioner (security) S K Kain said.

A large number of police personnel were deployed in-and-around vulnerable areas in Maharashtra, which was also on heightened alert.

Nearly 30,000 police personnel were stationed in various parts of Mumbai, especially in crowded areas, to ensure peaceful 'Diwali' festivities.

In view of the incident in Delhi, "We will have to be extra cautious," joint commissioner of police (law and order) Ahmad Javed said.

"Though there is no specific threats to the metropolis, the police will be extra vigilant today," he said. In Tamil Nadu, security was tightened in view of the Delhi incident.

Though police had not received any information about terrorist activity, the force "is on full alert", DGP Nailwal said.

Security had been beefed up in busy commercial areas with special vigil maintained at entry points to the state.

PTI