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Security forces on alert to ensure
peaceful Diwali

Police, Rapid Action Force and commandos were deployed in many parts of the country.

"Maximum deployment of police personnel has been made," Delhi's Joint Commissioner of Police (Operations) A S Khan said, adding all crowded markets had been put under a thick security blanket.

Quick Reaction Teams had been placed at vantage points and patrolling by police control room vehicles intensified, he said.

"Although a general alert is already on for the last four days in view of Diwali festival, further sensitisation is being done of the police force" following Sunday's incident at Ansal Plaza shopping mall, Special Commissioner (Security) S K Kain said.

Lieutenant Governor Vijai Kapoor and Police Commissioner R S Gupta visited two important markets -- Connaught Place and Karol Bagh -- to review the security arrangements.

A large number of police personnel were deployed in and around vulnerable areas in Maharashtra, which was also on high alert.

Nearly 30,000 police personnel were stationed in various parts of Mumbai, especially in crowded areas, to ensure peaceful Diwali festivities.

In view of the incident in Delhi, "we will have to be extra cautious", Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order), Ahmad Javed told Press Trust of India.

"Though there is no specific threat to the metropolis, the police will be extra vigilant today," he said.

Security was also tightened in Tamil Nadu. Though police had not received any information about terrorist activity, the force "is on full alert", Director General of Police Nailwal said in Chennai.

Net Guide Special on Diwali, Festival of Lights

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