Intelligence agencies on Saturday issued a Republic Day alert, cautioning that banned Khalistani groups and terror outfits based in Bangladesh could attempt attacks in New Delhi and other major cities. Sources from the Intelligence Bureau said Punjab-based gangsters are increasingly being used as ground operatives by Khalistani and radical handlers operating from abroad, who are allegedly leveraging criminal networks to advance their agendas and threaten internal security.

According to the alert, these gangsters are active across Haryana, the Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, and are gradually forging links with Khalistani terrorist elements. With January 26 approaching, agencies warned that these groups may try to exploit the festive period to carry out disruptive activities.

North District Police have conducted multiple mock drills at vulnerable and crowded locations ahead of the Republic Day parade to assess preparedness and response capabilities. Four such exercises were held in the first half of January 2026 at sensitive sites in North Delhi, including key installations, heritage locations, busy markets, and transport hubs.

Areas covered in the drills included the Red Fort, ISBT Kashmere Gate, Chandni Chowk, Khari Baoli, Sadar Bazar, and several Metro stations, all considered high-risk from a security standpoint. The exercises were aimed at strengthening anti-terror readiness and encouraging vigilance among the public and security agencies.

At least 30 tableaux are set to feature in the Republic Day Parade along Kartavya Path, showcasing India’s cultural diversity and development journey. The presentations will follow the themes “Svatantrata Ka Mantr – Vande Mataram” and “Samrddhi Ka Mantr – Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” coinciding with the 150th anniversary of the national song “Vande Mataram.”