New Delhi turned into a fortress ahead of CWG closing ceremony

NEW DELHI - With reports that Pakistan based terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba is planning to attack New Delhi during the build-up to the closing ceremony of the XIXth Commonwealth Games, the city has been turned into a fortress with more than thousand extra police personnel and soldiers deployed to keep a hawk-eye vigil.

The security personnel are patrolling each nook and corner of the city following the Indian intelligence report that Lashkar-e-Toiba would look to target Delhi during the closing ceremony.

The security around the main venue Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and Connaught Place here has been tightened and traffic restrictions have been imposed.

Delhi Police personnel have described the security measures that were taken during the 2010 Games to be good so far and would look to sustain the momentum.

With a marathon race coming up later in the day, the commuters passing through the localities close to the stadium and the route of the marathon race will face some traffic restrictions.

It has been reported that Bhishma Pitamah Marg, Lodhi Road and Kotla Mubarakpur road in the city has been closed from 6 a.m. and would open only after midnight.

Moreover, Safdarjung Madrassa road, Lodhi Road flyover, JLN Stadium Marg (between Mehar Chand Market and Lala Lajpat Rai Marg), and MTNL Building Road (from Scope Complex Chowk to Kushak Nallah) would remain closed from 2 p.m. onwards.

NH-24 and the Ring Road from Bhairon Road crossing to Ashram will also remain closed from 2.30 p.m.

Scores of armed men will be deployed around the stadium and spectators will have to undergo checks at four security points.

The Indian Air Force choppers will survey the skies and snipers will be in position at rooftops during the closing ceremony. (ANI)