Indian intelligence agencies have warned the government that terror outfits like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and Hizbul Mujahideen could be planning to carry out terror strikes in Jammu and New Delhi during the nation’s Independence Day celebrations on August 15,
Security measures at the Delhi Metro and the Indira Gandhi International airport have been stepped up with the induction of over 600 new security personnel and commuters are being frisked in view of the heightened vigil in the run-up to the Independence Day, officials said.
While passengers in the Delhi Metro are being frisked twice before entering stations, additional quick reaction teams (QRTs) and flying squads have been deployed at select stations that witness a heavy footfall or are important from the security point of view, local media said.
The Central Industrial Security Force, that is tasked to secure over 210 stations of the metro in the national capital region, has enhanced the number of security personnel in the network to keep a better eye on the people and their luggage, the officials said.
“About 500 CISF personnel have been deployed additionally in the Delhi Metro network as part of the stepped-up security measures in the wake of the Independence Day celebrations on August 15,” a senior official said.
“A new control room, armed with over 5,000 CCTVs and other smart tools, has recently been commissioned for the CISF and it will help us in better monitoring operations at stations under its surveillance cover,” the official said.
Special teams of mufti-wearing intelligence and passenger profiling sleuths have been deployed at various stations and they have been asked to keep an eye on a few stations by continuously moving between them, another official said on the condition of anonymity.
The officials said similar measures have been deployed at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport and passengers are randomly being made to undertake a second frisking, called the secondary ladder point check (SLPC).
Last week Jammu police foiled a major plot of suicide terror attacks in New Delhi and other places during the Independence Day celebrations by arresting a terrorist there. The police said the arrested man was on his way to the national capital carrying 8 live grenades.
IGP (Jammu Range) SD Singh Jamwal said on Monday the terrorist carrying the live grenades, Rs 60,540 in cash and incriminating documents was arrested on Sunday evening as he was spotted moving in a suspicious condition in the posh locality of Gandhi Nagar.
The IGP said the arrested terrorist had been identified as Irfan Hassan Wani of the Ansar-Gazwat-ul-Hind outfit. He is a resident of Dangerpura in Anantnag district of south Kashmir.
Initial interrogation of the terrorist is learned to have revealed that he was on his way to Delhi to meet some terrorists and plan the attacks. He has reportedly been sent to the joint interrogation centre for further questioning.
In London, the Indian diaspora has strongly criticised a Pakistan sponsored anti-India protest planned by pro-Khalistan Sikhs on August 12.
It is alleged that Pakistan's spy agency, the ISI, has drawn up elaborate plans to embarrass India during the 71st Independence Day functions in London.
British businessman and philanthropist of Indian origin, Rami Ranger said in his tweet: "A rally planned by an unelected and self-appointed handful of Sikhs from around the world for Independence on August 12th, 2018 in London is unwelcomed by the majority of Sikhs. A counter demonstration is planned by pro-India supporters which can result in disturbance".
He said in another tweet: "These handful of Sikhs are an embarrassment to Sikhs at large and also an impediment to progress in Punjab".
Many people have expressed their views by raising objections on pro-Khalistan rallies in the UK.
They raised questions by saying: "#Khalistan supporters are planning to do a global rally in London and many parts of the world for a referendum to vote for the creation of Khalistan, but they don't protest for a recent Sikh massacre in Afghanistan? They don't protest for Pakistani Sikh policeman who was humiliated?"
Sikhs for Justice, a pro-Khalistan group recently revealed its plan for August 12 by holding a joint press conference with Kashmiri separatists in London.
"On August 12, we will unveil the case for Sikhs right to self-determination as guaranteed in the UN Charter and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights", said Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, legal advisor of Sikhs for Justice.
In Pakistan, reports said Imran Khan, who is set to become the country’s new prime minister, may take an oath of the office on the country's Independence Day on 14 August.
Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) emerged as the single largest party in the 25 July elections, winning 116 National Assembly seats out of the contested 270 parliamentary constituencies.
The country is also being swept up in a new patriotic fervor triggered by the latest polls and a new administration.
“People belonging to every walk of life especially youngsters busy in decorating their houses and vehicles with national flags as the nation starts preparations to celebrate Independence Day,” reported AAP.
A report aired by a private news channel said the capital is wearing green and white look with national flags at each nook and corner while stalls of different Azadi accessories are surrounded by youngsters who are eagerly waiting for the Independence Day (I-Day) celebrations to commence.
Many families have covered rooftops of their cars and hind screens with the national flags.
A roadside vendor Mohammad Zubair said people especially children and youth keep visiting from morning till night to buy the items required by them to celebrate Independence Day.
Different public and private departments will hold special functions and activities including seminars, discussion programmes, photographic exhibitions, painting, poetry, national songs and debate competitions with the focus on acknowledging the contribution of leaders of Pakistan movement and sacrifices of national heroes