On Sunday, most market places and tourist destinations, most importantly India Gate, were put under police radar. Many families who came to India Gate for a picnic in the evening were sent back as police had restricted entry to the area. At least two teams were deployed next to the Amar Jawan Jyoti and roads leading to the flame were barricaded.
A senior police officer said: “We have identified a few vulnerable spots across the Capital and have increased security in those areas. The areas include the South and New Delhi districts. The places of high footfall including monuments, market places, government offices and South and North blocks are being watched. This is a precautionary measure.”
He said the manpower, for the time being, has also been diverted for securing the VIP areas. Police have ensured that there is high-visibility of security personnel in the city.
“On Sunday, the visitors were not allowed to go near the (India Gate) monument or Amar Jawan Jyoti, but the lawns of the central vista were open for them. The restriction was relaxed for two hours in the afternoon, but we have been asked to keep the security tight around the area,” an officer on duty told Newsline.
A disappointed tourist, who could not visit the war memorial, said, “We have heard a lot about India Gate and were really excited to see it. But unfortunately we couldn’t . But we will come again to see this historical pride of India.”
Edward, a foreign student from Austria, said: “However, we really appreciate the security system in India. I am disappointed as my trip is somehow incomplete without visiting the (Amar Jawan) jyoti. I came so near, yet could not visit. I have taken pictures, but with barricades in the backdrop,” he said.
Police said the restrictions imposed are a part of a routine exercise, a precautionary measure and no specific input or threat has been received. The restrictions will be in place for the next two weeks, police said.
The reporter is a student of EXIMS