Tight Security as India Celebrates Republic Day

NEW DELHI: India celebrates its 60th Republic Day Monday with a military parade in the capital, New Delhi, to showcase its troops, weaponry and aircraft.

Tight security was in place across India Monday. Fears that militants could disrupt the annual display have led to 20,000 heavily armed troops being put on guard, Delhi police said.

New Delhi police commissioner Y.S. Dadwal warned that militants could try to attack the Republic Day parade. "There are intelligence inputs (of possible strikes)," Dadwal said.

The centre of New Delhi is virtually shut down for celebrations and security will focus on areas close to the parade route such as metro stations and shopping centres.

Dadwal said a "ground-to-air security apparatus" was in place with anti-aircraft guns, snipers and helicopter gunships at the ready to thwart any strike.

Indian Home Minister has ordered all 28 Indian states, including the seven restive northeast provinces and disputed Kashmir, to increase security.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was scheduled to miss Monday's events after undergoing major heart surgery.

Singh's role in the Republic Day celebrations would be filled by Defence Minister A.K.Anthony, officials said, and Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev slated to be chief

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