India issues terror alert ahead of Republic Day celebrations

India Wednesday issued a terror alert, warning of possible attacks by militants during Republic Day celebrations on Thursday.

The alert was based on inputs by Indian intelligence agencies that Pakistan-based terror outfits might try to sneak into this country using Afghan identities, and carry out attacks in various parts of the country, particularly the national capital, on Republic Day, sources said.

In the wake of the inputs, the elite Special Protection Group that guards Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and members of the Nehru-Gandhi family such as main opposition Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, her son Rahul and daughter Priyanka, has asked the Delhi Police to be on its toes.

According to the sources, the protection agency has asked the Delhi Police to scan all buildings within 2.5-km range of Rajpath, the ceremonial road on which the Republic Day parade will be held.

"Snipers are likely to be posted in buildings along the route," the sources said.

Thousands of police personnel will also be deployed across Delhi to avert any untoward incident during the parade that will be witnessed by Indian President Pranab Mukherjee, Modi and other top dignitaries, the sources said, adding preparations are on to avert aerial attacks too.

"We will take all security measures to ensure the Republic Day celebrations take place peacefully. Apart from our personnel, para-military personnel will also be on duty," a Delhi Police official said.

India witnessed its worst terror attacks in November 2008 when 10 Pakistani militants entered Mumbai through sea route and carried out a mayhem, killing over 170 people and injuring 300 others.

source: Xinhua