Delhi turns into fortress for Republic Day; Snipers, 40K cops deployed

New Delhi:  A multi-layer security blanket has been thrown around the national capital on Republic Day eve with anti-aircraft guns and light machine guns (LMG) positioned at vantage points in view of intelligence inputs that terror groups may target some important installations in the national capital.

In fact, the cover will be so dense that every 20 metres will have a policeman. And these policemen will have orders to shoot if they spot suspicious activity around Rajpath, said sources.

As many as 1,000 snipers along with 49,000 security personnel under the close watch of 15,000 CCTV cameras will guard the capital on the Republic Day to ensure a safe visit of the chief guest, French President Francois Hollande.

Gunners have been given clear instructions to bring down any aerial object flying without permission. A 'NOTAM' (Notice to Airmen) has been declared from 10.35 am to 12.15 pm during which no flights will land or take off at the Indira Gandhi International Airport.