'Paramilitary units deployed, govt employees' leave cancelled': Capital Delhi on high alert as conflict with Pakistan intensifies

NEW DELHI: As tensions escalate between India and Pakistan, Delhi has been placed on high alert, prompting the cancellation of leave for all city government employees. Several border regions, including Jammu, have come under cross-border shelling, intensifying the security response in the national capital. Visitors at India Gate were asked to vacate the premises as police made announcements and regulated traffic in the area. However, New Delhi deputy commissioner Devesh Mahala downplayed the move, stating, "This is a standard practice to keep the C Hexagon traffic jam-free. Nothing new in it. Anyone can come tomorrow and see it." District magistrates have convened meetings with their teams to assess emergency preparedness, particularly in health and disaster management. "Police will stay alert and will keep active. Night vigil has been intensified. We will deploy extra force in every sensitive area," a police officer said. Late in the evening, the services department issued an order barring government staff from taking leave until further notice. Officials across districts confirmed review meetings were held to evaluate readiness, with East Delhi authorities specifically looking into quick response systems and addressing any existing gaps. Security measures across Delhi have been significantly tightened. Additional forces, including paramilitary units, have been deployed at critical locations. Police sources revealed that special commissioners across all zones are conducting meetings with deputy commissioners from all 15 districts. The stepped-up vigilance follows a failed attempt by Pakistan’s military to target multiple locations—Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj. Indian forces not only thwarted the strikes but also took out a Pakistani air defence system in Lahore. “All DCPs are actively monitoring law and order in their areas. They have already briefed their officers like ACPs and SHOs. DCPs are personally monitoring their area and Delhi Police is ready to deal with any kind of situation,” a senior official said. Enhanced security checks have been initiated at high-footfall zones such as malls, markets, metro stations, hotels, residential areas, airports, and other busy places. Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Abhishek Dhania said, "As part of ongoing anti-terror measures, the police conducted a thorough security inspection at the Mayur Vihar Phase-1 Metro Station, a vital public installation. During the visit, CISF personnel were briefed, and a focused coordination meeting was held." He added that the station is under surveillance by 41 functional CCTV cameras and is manned by a team of seven male and two female CISF personnel in each shift to ensure 24/7 security for commuters. Bomb Disposal Squads (BDS) have also been mobilised to carry out anti-sabotage checks at key sites. DCP (Southwest) Surendra Choudhary said, "The district's BDS team conducted anti-sabotage checks at malls, markets, hotels and vital spots to ensure public safety throughout the district. The exercise strengthened vigilance and preparedness against potential threats." Police checks have been intensified, particularly at Delhi's borders, with vehicles entering the city subjected to thorough screening.