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Kavita Bajeli-Datt in New Delhi
Female fidayeen or suicide squads of the pro-Pakistan Lashkar-e-Tayiba could penetrate security arrangements to target key politicians on Independence Day, police warned on Saturday.
Police said they are on high alert following intelligence inputs that the terrorists could target Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and key cabinet ministers, including Home Minister Lal Kishenchand Advani.
"Open and bold threats against the prime minister and senior cabinet colleague have been extended," Special Commissioner RS Gupta said. He said Independence Day celebrations on August 15 are being held at 'a high alert security scenario'.
Gupta said intelligence reports indicated that women terrorists could be part of suicide attacks at the historic Red Fort.
The Red Fort -- where Vajpayee would unfurl the tricolour for the fourth year in a row -- was closed for visitors for the first time a week ahead of Independence Day.
Attacks could also be carried out at sensitive buildings, including the residences of army personnel.
Security alert, which has been sounded in Delhi for the past three days, was also tightened after last year's fidayeen attack at Red Fort, where terrorists killed two army personnel and a civilian.
"Intelligence reports have indicated renewed directions to Pak-sponsored terrorists who have been asked to indulge in acts of violence in India particularly close to the Independence Day," said Gupta.
Gupta said apart from Lashkar-e-Tayiba, they fear attacks from Al-Badar, Hizb-ul-Jehad-e-Islami and even groups of Muslim fundamentalists owning allegiance to Saudi renegade Osama-bin-Laden.
"Elaborate arrangements have been made to ensure peace at various functions in connection with Independence Day in Delhi. These arrangements are restricted not just at the places of functions but extend far beyond Delhi.
Even the border districts of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh have been placed under alert."
He said apart from 55,000 Delhi policemen, the commandos of the elite National Security Guard and paramilitary forces would be on duty.
"The security arrangements include anti-sabotage checks, checking and frisking of public as well as armed commando deployment at strategic places to handle any armed intrusion," he said.
"Contingency schemes have been made for tackling any emergency and the help of the fire brigade, the local police, medical teams, ambulances and all major hospitals in the city has been obtained," he added.
Gupta said areas up to three km of the Red Fort would be under close watch.
"Roof-tops of high-rise buildings and other sensitive structures would be guarded with elaborate communication system," he said.
He said air defence measures have been initiated with the help of defence authorities.
"Special watch will be kept on the sky against unauthorised flying objects including micro-light gliders through radars, observation posts and police control rooms and other patrolling parties," he said.
Alert has also been placed at railway stations, crowded market places, cinema theatres and guesthouses, bus stands and Delhi airport.
Indo-Asian News Service
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