Security Tight As India Marks National Day

Jan. 26, 2010

Stringent Security Across India As Republic Day Celebrations Kick Off Amid Terrorism Alert

(AP)  NEW DELHI (AP) - Paramilitary soldiers and police set up road blocks and snipers took positions atop government buildings as hundreds of thousands of people turned out to celebrate India's national day Tuesday.

 India celebrates its Republic Day on Jan. 26 every year, but this year security measures were notched up following intelligence reports of a possible terrorist attack by Islamic militants.

Last week, the Indian government put its airports on high alert amid reports that al-Qaida-linked militants planned to hijack a plane. Security has also been tightened at all major government telecommunications and power installations, police said.Read more...

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/01/26/ap/asia/main6142056.shtml