India's capital, New Delhi, is under an unprecedented security blanket as it prepares for a high-profile diplomatic visit and braces for the sensitive anniversaries of two major national events. Security and law enforcement agencies have been placed on the highest state of alert.
Multi-Layered Security for Russian President's Visit
The alert level was significantly enhanced on December 4 and 5 ahead of the arrival of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Specialized anti-drone systems have been activated, and dedicated teams are conducting aerial and signal-level surveillance of the Russian delegation's movements. For the innermost security cordons, Russian security forces will manage the first two layers, with India's National Security Guard (NSG) and defence personnel forming the subsequent rings.
Hotels in the high-security Lutyens' Delhi zone, where the dignitaries are staying, have undergone thorough sanitization. Authorities have installed advanced cameras equipped with motion detection technology. Commuters should expect traffic restrictions and diversions on Thursday and Friday due to the movement of the VVIP convoy.
Terror Threats and Historical Anniversaries Amplify Tensions
The security posture is further intensified by the approaching anniversaries of the Babri Masjid demolition on December 6 and the Parliament attack on December 13. Adding to the concerns, the pro-Khalistan terror group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) issued a call on Wednesday to "strike Indian Parliament" on December 13.
SFJ chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun declared the group's intention to mark December 13 as "Kashmir-Khalistan freedom day." The group also appealed to parliamentarians Amritpal Singh and Sarabjit Singh to raise the issue of Punjab's "liberation" in Parliament and internationalize it.
Enhanced Vigilance After Recent Security Breach
The capital has been under heightened surveillance since November 10, following a powerful explosion in a car near the historic Red Fort. Investigative agencies and Delhi Police are actively pursuing all leads to prevent another similar incident.
Police authorities were alarmed by the revelation that a car laden with explosives had travelled freely across the city, including high-security zones like Connaught Place and India Gate. Interrogations of suspects detained in Delhi, Kashmir, and Gujarat indicated the module had conducted reconnaissance of vital installations and key markets such as Azadpur and Paharganj.
In response, security has been intensified at major markets and metro stations, with senior officers joining patrols. The focus is on robust anti-sabotage checks and maximizing CCTV coverage, with the number of cameras increased at multiple locations. Police are in close coordination with intelligence agencies to verify all inputs and issue timely alerts.
"The focus is on maintaining high visibility, public confidence, and robust policing at all major markets, malls, religious places, and crowded areas," a senior police officer stated. Additional personnel, including women officers in uniform and plain clothes, have been deployed to monitor for suspicious activity. The public is urged to report anything unusual by dialling the emergency number 112.
