At Republic Day Parade, Alert for Troublemakers in 'Black Caps and Mufflers'

New Delhi: For the Republic Day parade, where US President Barack Obama is chief guest, the Delhi police are keeping a close watch on people wearing black caps and mufflers.

Sources say there are inputs that Maoists may try to sneak in and disrupt the parade.

Maoists in Chhattisgarh have put up posters and distributed pamphlets calling a shutdown today protest against Republic Day celebrations and President Obama's visit.

Mr Obama is the first American president to be chief guest at India's Republic Day celebrations, which showcase the country's defence arsenal and cultural diversity.

There is unprecedented security in and around Rajpath, the majestic avenue where the parade takes place.

Some 2000 security personnel are guarding the main stage, where President Pranab Mukherjee, President Obama and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are seated among others. Sources say extra caution was taken in making security passes for the personnel, as there were inputs that terrorist may try to get in using fake ids.

There was a three-tier security check for visitors with passes to attend the celebrations. The police had the right to refuse entry without explanation.

The area is being guarded by some 500 police officials trained in detecting suspicious movements in the public and among the participants. They have been specifically trained to profile potential terrorists.

There is a seven-layer security ring in the capital with 50,000 security personnel, including 500 US Secret Service Agents, in Obama's security detail.

For today, the no-fly zone has been extended to 400 km covering cities such as Jaipur, Agra and extending to the border with Pakistan.

71 buildings have been sanitised and Indian and American snipers stationed for the parade.

15,000 CCTV cameras have been installed in central Delhi. They are relaying pictures to a central control room manned and monitored by more than a joint team of Delhi Police and US Secret Service Agents.