Delhi on alert over possible drone attack around August 5

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 21

Intelligence agencies have alerted the Delhi Police to remain extra vigilant in view of a possible terror strike using drones in the national capital around August 5, the date on which special status of Jammu & Kashmir was scrapped two years ago.

Sources said the police had been alerted with inputs suggesting that terrorists and anti-social elements “can execute a drone attack in the national capital before Independence Day, preferably around August 5”.

“As per the alert, the Delhi Police have been asked to step up vigil, as the terrorists are trying to carry out a big terrorist conspiracy in Delhi,” they added.

After the alert, Delhi Police have been reportedly providing special training to its personnel and the central forces deployed in the city. “Both soft and hard skills are being imparted through training modules,” they said.

Earlier, before the start of monsoon session of Parliament, the police had reported that certain criminal, anti-social elements or terrorists might pose a threat to the safety of the general public, dignitaries and vital installations using aerial platforms, including drones etc.

In view of this, Commissioner of Police Balaji Srivastava has already prohibited flying such aerial objects in the city’s skyline and the order would remain in force up to August 16.

Over the last few weeks, drones have been spotted in some parts of J&K. Srinagar, Kupwara, Rajouri and Baramulla have imposed ban on storage, sale, possession, use and transport of drones.