India goes on high alert ahead of Republic Day

India yesterday went on high alert ahead of weekend Republic Day celebrations, with security forces flooding potential flashpoints including New Delhi, Kashmir and restive northeastern states.

The annual January 26 bash has become a favourite target for Islamic militants, especially in bitterly divided Kashmir and restive northeastern Assam state, where at least 10 rebel groups are fighting for secession.

Amid rising fears of suicide attacks by Islamic rebels, police have declared the Indian capital will be a no-fly zone during Sunday's annual military extravaganza, which will be guarded by thousands of policemen.

The threat in New Delhi has been increasing every year, especially after a deadly attack by militants on the Indian parliament building on December 13, 2001.

Police yesterday reviewed a five-tier security ring for Sunday's parade during a full rehearsal by marching troops, truck-mounted missiles and tanks.

Military jets will enforce a three-hour no-fly zone over central Rajpath area during Sunday's military extravaganza to mark the 55th anniversary of India becoming a republic, an airforce official said.

"We will not allow any civilian flights over Delhi because so many VIPs will be at one place," the official said of the annual event, where Iranian President Mohammad Khatami has this year been invited as chief guest.

Intelligence agencies have alerted the police here of possible attacks on the parade by pan-Islamic guerrilla groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Al-Badr, currently locked in combat with Indian troops in Kashmir.

The rebel organisations argue that the annual military event is part of Indian hegemony and purely muscle-flexing to browbeat its regional nuclear rival, Pakistan.

The parade will be attended by Indian President Abdul Kalam, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, his deputy Lal Krishna Advani and 170 visiting MPs from 80 countries.