The Delhi Police on Saturday stepped up vigil after the United Stated embassy issued a fresh advisory,warning of imminent terror attacks in Delhi. According to the advisory,markets such as Connaught Place,Greater Kailash and Chandni Chowk are particularly vulnerable since they are attractive targets for militant groups. Newsline takes a look at the state of security in three important markets in the city late Saturday afternoon. CONNAUGHT PLACEIn addition to police personnel already deployed at the market in the heart of Delhi,an additional 100-odd personnel were pressed into action today. Atul Bhargava,president of the New Delhi Traders Association,said an anti-terror van has been stationed next to Palika Bazaar,while two Delhi Police vehicles do rounds of the market. Security guards were also deployed at various areas in the market. We had a meeting with the station house officer and the deputy commissioner of police they have issued guidelines to all shopkeepers to keep an eye on any suspicious person or object. Shopkeepers have been asked to immediately alert the police. Bhargava said a few block representatives will work with the beat constable. With construction work making it impossible for CCTV cameras to be installed,the shopkeepers have written to the Engineers India Limited,which is executing the facelift project on behalf of the NDMC,to remove small hutments of labourers,Bhargava said. Due to the construction work,it is impossible to identify the labourers from others, he said,adding that the shopkeepers have been given a list of dos and donts. CHANDNI CHOWKAdditional security forces,including CPRF personnel,were deployed at the market in Walled City,arguably the busiest market in Delhi. Announcements were being made through loudspeakers,warning shopkeepers to keep an eye on any suspicious object or person,when Newsline visited. Cars parked outside the shops were also being removed. A shopkeeper said,We have been asked by the police to step up vigil. Chandni Chowk Police Station House Officer (SHO) Palvinder Singh said such announcements are made and shopkeepers are alerted regularly. We have taken this step since it is a weekend and the rush is expected to increase, Singh said. Traffic police personnel were seen regulating parking near Gurudwara Sis Ganj,even as the pavements were being cleared of all encroachments. KAROL BAGHRam Lal Prajapati,the general secretary of Karol Bagh Traders Federation comprising 40 smaller associations,said they met the area SHO and the DCP today. The senior officers told the shopkeepers to maintain vigil and inform the police in case of any suspicion, he said. The police have also stepped up security. At Gaffar Market,there are 16 CCTV cameras. The markets on Ajmal Khan Road,Bank Road,Arya Samaj Road all part of Karol Bagh market also have CCTV cameras installed. We also have private security guards in addition to the constables, he said. Haryana Police also stepped up vigil in Gurgaon and Faridabad markets.
