Indo-Pak Crisis- As tensions between India and Pakistan escalate into open military engagement, the national capital of Delhi has been placed on the highest level of alert. The Delhi government has cancelled all leave for its employees with immediate effect, while police and security agencies have intensified surveillance and readiness operations across the city.
Iconic Landmarks Cleared, Public Movement Restricted
In a symbolic and strategic move, India Gate, one of the country’s most recognizable war memorials, was cleared of visitors on Thursday evening. Police issued urgent public announcements directing people to vacate the area, while traffic around the site was strictly regulated. Similar actions were taken in other high-footfall locations such as Connaught Place, Rajpath, and Janpath.
Full Mobilization of Government Forces
In a late-night directive, the Delhi Government’s Services Department ordered an indefinite suspension of all employee leaves, signaling full-scale preparedness in the event of an emergency. “This is a precautionary measure to ensure the administration remains fully functional and responsive to any emerging crisis,” said a senior government official.
District magistrates convened emergency preparedness meetings to assess the readiness of disaster management units and health infrastructure. Authorities are conducting simulations and gap analysis in response protocols, especially for mass casualty events or chemical, biological, or drone-based attacks.
Massive Security Overhaul Across the Capital
Heightened vigilance is being maintained across Delhi with the deployment of additional paramilitary forces at sensitive locations, including:
- Metro stations
- Airports
- Government buildings
- Shopping malls
- Hotels and cinemas
- Major markets and public squares
Bomb Disposal Squads (BDS) have conducted extensive anti-sabotage checks across public places, with special focus on transportation hubs and crowded areas. Police said these are part of a city-wide anti-terror drill intended to identify vulnerabilities and ensure rapid response capability.
Police Coordination at the Highest Level
Senior police officials, including Special Commissioners, have been holding continuous meetings with Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) from all 15 districts. Each DCP has been instructed to maintain real-time monitoring of their jurisdictions. ACPs and SHOs are conducting field visits and coordinating with intelligence units.
“Night patrols have been doubled, and border checkpoints into Delhi are now under 24/7 watch. Every vehicle is being thoroughly checked,” said a senior Delhi Police officer.
Metro Security and Critical Infrastructure Surveillance
Security checks were intensified at key metro stations. At Mayur Vihar Phase-1 Metro Station, DCP (East) Abhishek Dhania oversaw a full inspection. The station is now being monitored by 41 functional CCTV cameras, and CISF forces, including male and female personnel, have been tasked with 24-hour deployment.
“We have strengthened every layer of the surveillance infrastructure. Metro stations are critical soft targets, and they are being protected accordingly,” said Dhania.
Meanwhile, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has issued an internal advisory for alertness and has activated emergency communication lines with law enforcement agencies.
Why the Sudden Spike in Alert?
The unprecedented mobilization comes after Pakistan launched coordinated rocket and drone attacks on Indian military installations in Jammu, Srinagar, Pathankot, Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Chandigarh. These attacks were reportedly intercepted and neutralized by India’s advanced air defense systems.
In a significant counterstrike, Indian forces destroyed a Pakistani air defense system in Lahore and launched retaliatory strikes on terror camps in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK).
With air raid sirens going off in border cities and blackouts enforced in key military zones, India is preparing for all possible escalations.
Delhi’s Citizens Urged to Remain Alert
While there is no panic in the capital, authorities have issued public advisories encouraging people to:
- Avoid large gatherings
- Report suspicious activity immediately
- Stay indoors during night hours unless essential
- Keep emergency contacts handy
- Follow only official government and police communications
Strategic Implications
Security experts believe Delhi’s readiness mirrors the gravity of the national security situation. “The capital is not only the political nerve center but also a prime target in any full-scale conflict scenario. This level of alert means we are in a pre-war footing,” said a retired Army General.
The Centre is also in close coordination with state governments, particularly those in Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Jammu & Kashmir, to maintain a united front across the northern belt.
