Delhi goes into security overdrive after terror alert (Roundup)

NEW DELHI - Shoppers kept away from popular market places in Delhi Sunday as security was tightened in and around the national capital following terror alerts from the US and three other countries warning of “imminent attacks” in the city.

The US, Australia, Britain and Canada issued fresh security advisories to their citizens Saturday and warned of “imminent” terror attacks, prompting the government to step up vigil.

The major markets of Connaught Place, Lajpat Nagar and Sarojini Nagar, frequented by tourists, saw drastic fall in footfalls.

“The number of people coming to our restaurant fell by more than 50 percent since yesterday (Saturday) evening. Security has been increased. When I came here in the morning, I saw cops everywhere,” said Anil Kumar, assistant manager at the Sancho’s Mexican restaurant in Connaught Place.

Sarojini Nagar market in south Delhi also wore a changed look with security personnel everywhere. CCTVs monitored the place while continuous announcements were being made over the public address system advising shoppers to be watchful.

“There is a drastic fall in the number of customers. The market looks almost empty today (Sunday) except for large number of policemen guarding the area,” said Ashok Randhawa, a member of the Sarojini Nagar Market Association.

Security was also beefed up in Karol Bagh and Lajpat Nagar markets.

Shaqib Jamal, a shopper at the Lajpat Nagar market, said: “We should not get panicky and neither get scared of such threats. We need to be cautious and avoid coming to crowded places on such days.”

Delhi Police spokesperson Rajan Bhagat said elaborate security arrangements were in place in the capital.

“There is no change in the situation and all the security arrangements remain on high alert today (Sunday). We have asked people in the city to remain vigilant as well,” he added.

However, some people were caught unaware of the security advisories issued by the authorities in Delhi.

“I don’t know much about the security alert, but things are normal here in Karol Bagh,” said Mandeep, an employee at Westside Departmental Store in Karol Bagh.

Gurgaon, a satellite township of the national capital, was also on alert.

“Though we have not received any advisory from the home affairs ministry about the recent terror alert, security has been enhanced at sensitive places,” Gurgaon Police Commissioner S.S. Deswal told IANS.

The Gurgaon police have also held a meeting of their senior officers Saturday and decided on the security measures to be taken following the terror alert.

“As Gurgaon is close to the national capital, it is vulnerable to such terror attacks. So we have to be extra vigilant,” another senior police officer said.

Ghaziabad, a Uttar Pradesh township adjoining Delhi, also increased security at border posts.

“Increased number of policemen are seen at important places, inter-state borders, but at popular malls the crowd is almost same,” said Kamal Arora, a resident of Ghaziabad.