Alert: Independence Day Security Aug. 15 - India

aug 7th, 2009

 

depressing that independence may means the citizenry have to be fearful. i think this is the alert from the yanks.

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From:

 

Security: Tight security planned for Independence Day events throughout India Aug. 15. Increased violence possible in areas with active insurgencies.

This alert affects India.

This alert began 07 Aug 2009 04:52 GMT and is scheduled to expire 17 Aug 2009 23:59 GMT.

• Event: Independence Day
• Date: Aug. 15
• Impact: Tight security, traffic disruptions, possible militant and/or terrorist attacks

Summary
Authorities are boosting security in major cities throughout India ahead of its 63rd Independence Day on Aug. 15. Expect very tight security around venues hosting official functions, major government buildings and critical infrastructure throughout the country. Terrorism and insurgent violence are preeminent concerns; multiple security scares are possible. Terrorism warnings and bomb hoaxes are likely in a number of areas. The Indian home ministry recently warned that the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Toiba militant group is trying to sneak its operatives through the porous Indo-Pak border to stage attacks in New Delhi, Hyderabad and Kolkata around Independence Day. Authorities often arrest suspected extremists and seize weapons and explosives during pre-Independence Day security raids in major cities, particularly in and around Delhi. On Aug. 6, Delhi police said it had detained two operatives of Kashmiri militant group, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, for allegedly planning terror strikes in the Indian capital ahead of the holiday.

The largest Independence Day event will occur in Delhi; other state and district capitals will host smaller flag-raising ceremonies. Expect traffic disruptions around venues hosting these events throughout the country. Various groups could organize demonstrations to draw attention to their grievances; stay away from protesters.

Regional Security Considerations

Delhi: Authorities will seal off roads and deploy thousands of security personnel to guard the Red Fort (Lal Qila), where Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will address the nation on the morning of Aug. 15. Traffic disruptions will also occur during an Aug. 13 rehearsal. Expect very tight security at markets and transport hubs, as well as vehicle searches at entry points to the capital. Road closures will affect Vikas Marg, Rajghat, Vijay Ghat, Darya Ganj, Chandni Chowk, Asaf Ali Road and access to the Old Delhi Railway Station and the Inter-State Bus Terminal. On the afternoon of Aug. 14, police will block traffic on arterial roads leading toward the Red Fort, including National Highway 24, Ring Road and Netaji Subhash Marg. Avoid carrying or displaying bags or briefcases, cellular phones or other electronic items in public; carry identification.

Delhi Map: http://www.johomaps.com/as/india/delhi/delhimetro.html

Northeast India: Northeast India: Militant groups will boycott celebrations and call for bandhs (shutdowns) in the region. Security problems are possible in Assam State. United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) militants could attack security personnel as well as stage bombings targeting markets, security posts, buses, trains, petroleum installations and transport infrastructure. Avoid Judge's Field in Guwahati and the 1st Manipur Rifles Parade Ground in Imphal, Manipur State. For more information, see iJET Alert Independence Day Security - Northeast India.

Jammu & Kashmir: Separatist militancy is an ongoing problem in Jammu & Kashmir State, attacks could intensify ahead of the holiday. Recent weeks have witnessed heightened militant activity in the region. Separatist groups will boycott the holiday, and they may enforce a general strike on Aug. 15. Strictly avoid mosques, security posts, government buildings, and all Independence Day celebrations if operating in the region. IED or VBIED attacks, grenade blasts and/or fidayeen (suicide) attacks are possible. Expect road closures and extraordinarily tight security around Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar and Maulana Azad Stadium in Jammu.

Maoist-Affected States: An upsurge of violence is possible in areas affected by Maoist insurgency. Ambushes targeting security personnel and attacks on power infrastructure are possible, although almost all of these incidents would likely occur in rural parts of Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Bihar states. Caution is necessary around rural police posts, mines, train stations and energy installations, including hydroelectric dams.