India celebrates under tight security

India shows its military might on Republic Day

NEW DELHI, India -- India celebrates its Republic Day under the tightest security ever amid fears of possible terrorist acts and a military stand-off with nuclear neighbor Pakistan.

The celebrations come one day after India test launched a nuclear-capable ballistic missile, sparking condemnation from Pakistan, which said the firing was ill-timed given the bristling tensions between the two foes.

Heavily-armed troops lined New Delhi streets and soldiers guarded major intersections on Saturday as airforce helicopters flew over the city ahead of the Republic Day parade.

Republic Day is India's main national holiday and authorities fear militants may time an attack for maximum impact on a nation still shaken by a December raid on its parliament and this week's attack on a U.S. government building in Kolkata.

India has blamed the parliament attack on Pakistan-based militants, and has also linked them to the Kolkata raid.

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New Delhi has demanded Islamabad crush the groups and hand over 20 alleged terrorists and criminals.

The main 90-minute parade in the capital is scaled down this year because most of India's military have been deployed along the border with Pakistan in a tense face-off over the militants.

As relations have deteriorated, both sides have stepped into a war footing. A million troops are dug in along the now heavily mined border, backed by missiles, fighter jets and tanks.

Snipers

In New Delhi, snipers have been placed on all high-rises in the area, private traffic has been banned around the parade route, roads sealed off and commandos with AK-47s and bullet proof vests are on alert in makeshift posts made from sandbags.

People have been told they must carry identification if they venture onto the streets.

Extra forces are on guard around the nation, especially in disputed Kashmir and the restive northeast.

The annual January 26 celebrations marking India's founding as a republic soon after independence from Britain in 1947 have in the past been marred by violence in both areas.