Tuesday, January 25 2005 19:25 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: With intelligence inputs warning of terrorist strikes, an elaborate security set-up has been put in place for Republic Day celebrations in the capital where President A P J Abdul Kalam will take the salute in the presence of chief guest Bhutan King Jigme Singye Wangchuk and the country's entire top political and military brass.

Specific protective measures have been initiated to thwart any attempt of use of long-range weapons to disrupt the parade in view of reports that militants may target the parade from a distance using sniper fire and seizure of a large number of telescopes in Kolkata recently.

Alerted by the reports, Delhi Police has increased its "depth" of security to upto three kilometres from the parade route and all high-rise buildings in that radius have already been taken under control by the security personnel.

"In view of inputs we received, we have tightened the security more than that last year and anti-sabotage checks have been doubled this time," Special Commissioner of Delhi Police (Security) B K Gupta told reporters in New Delhi today (Jan 25, 2005).

He said the anti-sabotage checks had been started on December 20 and all equipments like mine-sweepers available with Army, NSG, ITBP and other forces have been utilised.

In an effort to prevent any aerial attack, two helicopters will be in the skies over the entire eight-km parade route besides which other air defence measures have been taken.

Police have also placed CCTVs at various places on Rajpath between Vijay Chowk and India Gate which will enable senior officers to monitor the proceedings.