Independence Day 2024 LIVE: India gears up for 78th Independence Day amid tight security

Aug. 15, 2024, 1:26 a.m.

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Ahead of Independence Day, security has been tightened across India with over 10,000 cops, facial recognition cameras and snipers deployed in Delhi and security camps set up in 13 villages in Chhattisgarh’s Maoist-hit Bastar region where the Tricolour will be hoisted for the first time on Thursday.

Police officers inspected vehicles and conducted flag marches at various locations in Punjab on Wednesday, while central forces maintained strict surveillance in Tripura.

In Delhi, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hoist the national flag at the Red Fort for the eleventh consecutive year, over 10,000 police personnel and 3,000 traffic police personnel have been deployed. Mock drills were conducted in high-profile areas on Wednesday, according to officials.

Snipers, highly trained SWAT commandos, kite catchers, and sharpshooters will be strategically positioned to ensure the safety of the prime minister and other VIP guests, a senior official stated.

Furthermore, 700 AI-powered facial recognition cameras have been deployed in central and New Delhi. These cameras possess advanced pan-tilt-zoom capabilities, enabling identification of individuals from a distance, according to authorities.

“All borders of the national capital from Haryana-Delhi and Uttar Pradesh-Delhi will be sealed after 11.30 pm on Wednesday for the entry of commercial heavy vehicles movements. The vehicles which will enter the national capital will be checked properly,” the senior police officer said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Devesh Kumar Mahla said, “We conducted mock drills in Connaught Place and Parliament Street as New Delhi is considered a VVIP area. We have deployed additional force to maintain law and order.” Additional police teams and paramilitary forces have been deployed at various locations including IGI Airport, railway stations, bus stands, malls, metro stations and markets, the officials said.

The Delhi Traffic Police has issued a notice, advising the public about road closures and alternate routes around the Red Fort.

The notice also reaffirmed that the restrictions enforced on August 1 regarding the operation of small aircraft, such as para-gliders, drones, hot air balloons, and small-sized powered aircraft, over the city will remain in effect until Thursday.

Officials have reported that rigorous security measures have been implemented at locations in Punjab and Haryana where governors, chief ministers, and ministers will raise the national flag on Independence Day.

Punjab's Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will hoist the Tricolour at an event in Jalandhar, while his Haryana counterpart Nayab Singh Saini will perform the same ceremony in Kurukshetra.

Adequate security personnel have been deployed throughout various districts, authorities confirmed.

Police officers conducted vehicle checks at various locations, including the Mohali-Chandigarh border.

Punjab Police carried out a flag march in Pathankot and conducted search operations at abandoned buildings.

Pathankot Superintendent of Police Gurbaj Singh announced that a special operation was launched involving thorough searches of dilapidated buildings in the district and surrounding areas.

He urged the public to disregard any unfounded rumors and to promptly report any suspicious activity to the police.

Thirteen remote villages in Chhattisgarh’s Maoist-hit Bastar region will witness hoisting of the national flag for the first time on Thursday due to the presence of security forces, according to Inspector General of Police, Bastar Range, Sundarraj P.

The 13 villages where the Indian flag will be raised for the first time on Thursday are: Nerlighat (Dantewada); Panidobir (Kanker); Gundam, Putkel and Chhutvahi (Bijapur); Kasturmeta, Maspur, Irakbhatti and Mohndi (Narayanpur); Tekalgudem, Puvarti, Lakhapal and Pulanpad (Sukma).

Security camps were established in these villages following Republic Day last year. These camps have infused a new and lively identity into the region and its indigenous population, according to the official.

The Bastar division, encompassing seven districts, has been facing the challenge of Left Wing Extremism for the past three decades.

Celebrations for Independence Day will also take place in other regions of the state.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai will hoist the national flag at the Police Parade ground in Raipur. Deputy Chief Ministers Arun Sao and Vijay Kumar will raise the Tricolour in Bilaspur and Jagdalpur, respectively, a government spokesperson said.

Security personnel were on high alert in Tripura to guarantee peaceful Independence Day festivities.

Robust security measures were put in place at the Assam Rifles ground, where Chief Minister Manik Saha will raise the national flag, a senior police official stated.

Assistant Inspector General (Law and Order) Ananta Das mentioned that additional central forces deployed for the three-tier panchayat elections will remain in the state until the Independence Day events are concluded.

“Currently, adequate forces are deployed across the state to ensure peaceful Independence Day celebrations. Additionally, police have been instructed to enhance vigilance in their respective areas to maintain law and order,” he said.

The central government had previously deployed 29 companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) for maintaining law and order during the panchayat elections.

Security measures along the international border with Bangladesh have been enhanced. The Border Security Force (BSF) is on high alert to prevent any possible breaches.