Security up around missions, markets

People participate in a vigil in New Delhi on Saturday to express solidarity with the victims of the Paris attacks. (Photo: PTI)

Security was stepped up on Saturday in the national capital, especially outside the French embassy, government buildings and international airport in New Delhi following an alert by the intelligence agencies in the wake of the terror strikes in Paris that killed 127 people in the French capital.

Security has been especially tightened in the diplomatic enclave and other crucial locations, including Indira Gandhi International Airport, railway stations, Metro network and bus terminals in the city.

Vigil is being kept around prominent hotels, malls and markets in the city. “We are alert and have taken adequate measures to deal with any emergency,” said a senior police official. “The special cell of Delhi police, which is the specialised counter-terrorism unit, has also been briefed and the crime branch has also been kept in loop,” the official said.

Security is being upgraded in and around crowded markets in the city and office buildings in the Lutyen’s Zone which house offices of several ministries. A meeting of senior officials was held on Saturday and the local police have also been asked to be alert and report any untoward happening in areas under their jurisdiction.

The police had been asked to increase vigil and post additional police personnel outside all embassies and high commissions and consulates in the city.

A series of terror attacks in Paris targeting concert-goers, soccer fans and people enjoying a Friday night out at popular nightspots killed at least 120 people.

At least two explosions were heard near the Stade de France national stadium where a France-Germany friendly soccer match was being played, attended by President Francois Hollande.

Arvind Kejriwal slams attack in Paris Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday termed the terror strike in Paris as an attack on humanity and said the whole world should unite and fight against such terror acts. “Shocked to learn about the cowardly attacks on innocents in Paris. Whole world should unite and fight against such terror acts,” he tweeted. “Paris attack is an attack on entire humanity. Fundam-entalism of all kinds is the worst enemy of society. Let us pray for residents of Paris,” he said.