Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): With Republic Day celebrations drawing closer, intelligence agencies have sounded a cautionary note, warning of potential security threats from Khalistani and Bangladesh-linked extremist outfits. The advisory has prompted heightened vigilance in Delhi and several other cities, as authorities work to prevent any attempt to disrupt the national event.
Officials familiar with the intelligence inputs said there is growing concern over the involvement of organised crime in terror-related activities. Punjab-based gangsters, they noted, are increasingly being drawn into the orbit of radical groups operating from abroad. These criminal elements are allegedly being used to provide local support, logistics and manpower for extremist agendas.
Security agencies have identified the spread of such networks beyond Punjab, with suspected gang activity reported in Haryana, the Delhi-NCR region, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Investigators believe that these groups are slowly building connections with Khalistani elements, raising alarms about coordinated operations across state boundaries.
In the national capital, police have intensified preparedness measures ahead of the January 26 parade. The North District Police recently conducted multiple mock security drills to test emergency response capabilities at locations considered high-risk due to heavy public presence.
The exercises, carried out in the first two weeks of January, covered a range of sensitive sites across North Delhi. These included heritage landmarks, transport terminals, busy marketplaces and Metro stations. Areas such as the Red Fort, ISBT Kashmere Gate, Chandni Chowk, Khari Baoli and Sadar Bazar were among the locations where simulated emergency scenarios were enacted.
Police officials said the drills were designed to assess coordination between different agencies, improve response times and identify gaps in existing security arrangements. Enhanced surveillance, increased deployment and stricter checks are expected as part of the overall security plan for Republic Day.
Authorities have reiterated that the measures are precautionary and aimed at ensuring that celebrations proceed without incident, while urging citizens to stay alert and report any suspicious activity.
