10,000 paramilitary personnel deployed in Delhi ahead of Republic Day
Delhi has already been put on a high alert after the Pathankot terror attack.
New Delhi: An additional 10,000 paramilitary personnel have been deployed in Delhi to ensure greater security cover ahead of the Republic Day celebrations where French President Francois Hollande will be the chief guest.
The deployment of the additional paramilitary forces in the national capital comes a week after the terrorist attack on the Pathankot IAF base in which seven security personnel were killed.
"Highest possible security cover will be given in Delhi in the run up to the Republic Day and during the celebration where the French President will be the chief guest," a Home Ministry official said.
A total of 50 companies (100 personnel in each company) of paramilitary forces were deployed to ensure security of Republic Day in 2014. The number had been increased to 95 companies in 2015 when US President Barack Obama was the chief guest.
This year, it has been decided to deploy 100 companies of paramilitary personnel, the official said.
Delhi has already been put on a high alert after the Pathankot terror attack.
Government is also not ready to take a chance during the visit of Mr Hollande, as Paris saw one of the worst terrorist attacks on November 13, when 130 people were killed by seven gunmen.
Apart from deployment of forces on the ground, government will also ensure air security by deploying anti-aircraft guns and ensuring no-fly zone in many areas of Delhi.