Security beefed up at popular markets in Delhi

NEW DELHI - Security at the national capital’s popular and bustling markets and malls has been increased following an advisory issued by the Delhi Police Saturday urging citizens to be extra vigilant due to the threat of a terror attack.

“Hundreds of policemen both in uniform and civies have been deployed here, but there is a fall in the number of customers in comparison to a normal weekend,” Ashok Randhawa, a member of the Sarojini Nagar Market Association, told IANS.

“We have also issued a circular to all the shopkeepers to be extra careful,” he added.

The city is on high alert following an advisory from the US Saturday warning its citizens of “increased indications” of terrorists planning “imminent attacks” in the markets of the Indian capital. This is the third such US advisory in a month.

It advises Americans travelling or residing in India to maintain “a high level of vigilance” and watch out for unattended packages.

Rajan Bhagat, the Delhi Police spokesperson, said separate arrangements have been made for different locations.

“The public should be vigilant and if any suspicious object, person or vehicle is noticed, information should be passed on immediately to the nearest police station, or the public can call up our toll free number 1090,” he added.

Khan Market in central Delhi had extra police presence, Sanjiv Mehra, the president of the Khan Market Association, told IANS.

“Delhi Police gave us an advisory and have asked us to be on high alert,” Mehra said.

However, Anil Gupta, the president of the Paharganj Market Association, said that he was unaware of any such alert.

“We have no idea about any terror threat in the city,” Gupta said.

–Indo-Asian New Service