New Delhi: Ahead of the 75th Independence Day in India, the country has been put under a heavy security blanket, right from Delhi, the epicentre of the mega celebrations, to Jammu and Kashmir, news agency PTI reported. According to the report, police force across states has been put on high alert to ensure that the celebrations are not affected in any way.


In the national capital, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort, security has been stepped up with Delhi Police deploying over 10,000 personnel to guard the Mughal-era monument.


Ranging from facial recognition system (FRS) cameras at the entry point of the monument to a multi-layered security cover and deployment of over 400 kite catchers on rooftops and other sensitive locations to counter any threats from sub-conventional aerial platforms, the area is under high vigil.


Dependra Pathak, Special Commissioner of Police (Law and Order), said provisions of Section 144 have already been instituted in Delhi.


Anti-drone systems from Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and other agencies have also been installed, police said.


In the commercial capital Mumbai, several law-enforcing units have been stationed to man the streets, an official said.


According to the official, while there was no specific input for Independence Day, security of vital installations had been increased and officials have been asked to conduct spot visits as a matter of routine.


"We are conducting anti-sabotage checks. Since Wednesday, 'operation all out' is underway comprising checking of hotels, vehicles and road barricading. Action is being taken against history-sheeters and those externed," PTI quoted the official as saying.


Meanwhile, in Kashmir, where the main function will be held at Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha presiding over it, drones, snipers and policemen have been deployed for surveillance.


Vehicle checking has also been intensified, while police and paramilitary forces have been deployed at many places in the city to thwart any attempts by militants to disrupt the celebrations.


Random search of vehicles and frisking of people is also being carried out at several places in the Valley, officials said.


"Aerial watch is being maintained in major markets of Srinagar city, looking for miscreants, criminals and subversive elements. Such elements should know that there is an eye above looking for them," the Srinagar police said on Twitter.


Meanwhile, after a call by banned militant groups United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent) (ULFA(I)) and National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) to "boycott" the Independence Day celebrations and "total shutdown" in five states of the Northeast, security has been stepped up.


In Agartala, additional forces have been deployed, while dog squads have been put into service to thwart any untoward incident, officials said.


According to a senior BSF officer, the 856-km international border has been put on high alert.


In Assam, a multilayer security cover has been put in place across parade grounds and other sensitive places, a top police officer said.


"We have got inputs of militant movements in a few districts, mostly in Upper Assam along the inter-state border with Arunachal. The district SPs have been asked to deploy a multi-layered security system in and around the parade grounds in the state," the officer said on condition of anonymity.


Notably, the main Independence Day function in Assam will be held at the Veterinary College Playground in Khanapara in Guwahati.


Meanwhile, the police forces in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh also made some key arrests of suspects linked to terror groups ahead of the Independence Day.


UP Police has arrested a 19-year-old man for allegedly having connections with terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed and being in touch with handlers in Pakistan and Afghanistan, officials said on Sunday.


The Punjab Police, in a joint operation with Delhi Police, on Sunday claimed to have busted a Pakistan ISI-backed terror module and arrested four persons.