Stringent security across India as Republic Day celebrations kick off amid terror alert

Published Tuesday, January 26, 2010

By AP

Paramilitary soldiers and police have set up road blocks and snipers take positions on the rooftops of government buildings to prevent a possible militant attack as India marks a national holiday.

At least 15,000 additional soldiers are deployed in and around the capital New Delhi to ensure safety along the route of an annual parade, the highlight of India's Republic Day festivities, says a Delhi police official.

Last week, the Indian government put all its airports on high alert amid reports that Al-Qaeda-linked militants planned to hijack a plane.

India celebrates its Republic Day on January 26 every year to commemorate the 1950 adoption of its constitution. The country gained independence from Britain in 1947.

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The page was last updated on: 10 January 2016 19:24