Police patrol Delhi as Diwali celebrations peak

NEW DELHI - While the capital’s residents were busy with festivities Friday, Delhi Police personnel maintained strict vigil throughout the city to ensure a peaceful Diwali.

Our Diwali is always postponed by a day. We exchange sweets and gifts a day after it is celebrated, said a constable posted at Connaught Place.

Police peronnel will remain on high alert even after the festival due to the upcoming visit of US President Barack Obama from Nov 6-9. Obama is scheduled to arrive here Sunday.

Apart from keeping a vigil on the routine violations of drunk-driving and illegal smuggling of fire crackers, this time we are monitoring the situation on a bigger scale, with CCTVs and quick reaction teams, police said.

After the Commonwealth Games, the upcoming Obama visit is the next major assignment for the Delhi Police.

Apart from quick reaction teams, Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) and training reserves have been deployed. Special attention is being given to railway stations and airports, a police official said.

–Indo Asian News Service