Thaindian News

Bangalore, Aug 14 (IANS) Security has been beefed up and patrolling intensified in this tech hub for peaceful 65th Independence Day celebrations Monday, a police official said.

“We have put in place elaborate security across the city with night patrolling and extra vigil in sensitive areas and at vital installations to ensure peaceful Independence Day celebrations,” Bangalore Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic and Security) Praveen Sood told IANS here Sunday.

About 1,500 personnel will be deployed in and around the Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Ground in the city centre where the main event will be held in the presence of Governor H.R. Bhardwaj, Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda, cabinet ministers, opposition leaders, dignitaries and top officials.

“With the main event being the centre of activity, the entire areas has been sanitised and the ground cordoned off to maintain law and order. About 100 senior officers will be present at the ground to secure the place and prevent any untoward incident,” Sood said.

Gowda, who became the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) second chief minister in south India Aug 4, will hoist the national flag and inspect the guard of honour in the sprawling parade ground between M.G. Road and Cubbon Road.

“As part of security drill and enhanced vigilance, CCTVs and video-cameras have been installed at the venue to monitor the movement of people and regulate their entry and exit,” Sood said.

In view of the security threat to the tech city and in line with the advice of the union home ministry after the Mumbai blasts July 13, police have intensified checks at major public places such as the airport, railway stations, inter-city and inter-state bus terminals, shopping areas, malls, theatres and hotels.

Checks were also being conducted near the state legislature, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and defence establishments.

Independence Day committee president and Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike Commissioner Siddaiah said: “After flag-hoisting by the chief minister, three Indian Air Force (IAF) choppers will shower flowers (petals) onto the flag from a low altitude, marking the beginning of the official celebration in the presence of about 10,000-15,000 people.”

Gowda will go around the parade ground in an open jeep and inspect the guard of honour from military, state and central police forces.

Gowda will also address the state for the first time on the occasion.

A rich cultural programme comprising patriotic songs and dances will be presented by about 1,700 girls and boys from various schools.

Elaborate security arrangements have also been made in other cities, towns and district headquarters for people to celebrate the Independence Day peacefully.