Nation on red alert ahead of Republic day, CIA steps up security

New Delhi: Central Intelligence Agency has stepped up security measures keeping Republic Day celebrations in mind and has asked Haryana Police to file crime report for Gurgaon, Faridabad and other adjoining areas.

The agency has directed the Gurgaon and Faridabad district administrations to provide action-taken report, especially around Aravalli range, which is known to be a hub for criminal activities.

In a major terror crackdown, National Investigation Agency took into custody at least 14 people, suspected to be Islamic State sympathisers. Material used to make IED were recovered from their possession. According to Home Ministry, policemen as well as places of religious sentiments could be made target to hurt religious sentiments.

The district administrations of Gurgaon and Faridabad have already imposed Section 144 in a radius of 2 km from the venue with SWAT teams also in place. Section 144 will also be imposed at prominent malls, shopping centres, strategic locations and crowded places between January 24 and 26.

It is to be noted that French President Francois Hollande will be the chief guest at Republic Day parade on January 26 in New Delhi.

On January 25, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Francois Hollande will lay down the foundation stone for the interim secretariat of the international solar alliance National Institute of Solar Energy situated on the Gurgaon- Faridabad Expressway.

(With inputs from PTI)