1st Diwali post Op Sindoor, Capital covered in security blanket

Delhi police are all set for smooth and safe festivities with the national capital getting ready to mark the first Diwali post Operation Sindoor, India’s national response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that had killed 26 tourists in J&K’s Baisaran.

As the festival inches closer, Delhi Police have made elaborate security arrangements deploying over 20,000 personnel including paramilitary across key locations in the capital.

Conscious of threat perceptions, the entire security apparatus remains in a state of high alert and vigil.

“Anti-terror measures are an integral part of security arrangements. We have taken into account all potential threat perceptions and to ensure smooth and safe celebrations,” Delhi police sources said.

The cops said intensive foot patrolling was being done across 15 police districts of the capital with special emphasis on the markets and areas prone to congestion and gatherings.

Moreover, in such areas, the cops are also resorting to the public announcement systems to alert people in high footfall areas such as Chandani Chowk, Chawri Bazar, Connaught Place and Sadar Bazar among others.

In addition to the traditional policing methods, cops are keeping a hawk’s eye using drones, CCTV cameras and metal detectors and bag scanners at all vital markets in the city.

Special vigilance is underway at major markets, temples, and congested locations, with multi-layered security arrangements, anti-sabotage checks, and the deployment of quick reaction teams, SWAT commandos, and plainclothes personnel, a senior police officer said.

Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) commandos are trained to handle high-risk situations and are equipped with advanced weapons and tactics to respond to incidents such as hostage situations, active shooters, armed standoffs, and counter-terrorism.

Just before the festival season, the Delhi Police also conducted a citywide ‘General Gasht’ across 15 districts during the intervening night of October 11 and 12. The large-scale patrolling saw the participation of 12000 officers, 23500 vehicle checks, resulted in action against over 17,000 and arrests of 126 habitual offenders.

The objective of the unique exercise was enhanced police visibility and deterrence, said a police officer.

Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golchha has meanwhile visited several pickets and barricaded zones, including ITO, Shakarpur, Ghazipur border, and Hazrat Nizamuddin, to assess security arrangements and interact with officers on duty.

In the markets, the cops have put up temporary barricades and signage to streamline pedestrian movement to avoid congestion.