New Delhi: Intelligence agencies have issued a high alert ahead of the Republic Day celebrations, warning that Khalistani and Bangladesh-based terror outfits may attempt to target the national capital and other major cities across the country.

According to intelligence inputs, Punjab-based gangsters are increasingly being used as foot soldiers by Khalistani and radical handlers operating from abroad. These handlers are allegedly leveraging existing criminal networks to push their extremist agenda and destabilise internal security.

Sources said these gangsters are active across Haryana, Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, and are gradually establishing operational and logistical links with Khalistani terrorist elements based overseas.

In response to the threat perception, police and security agencies have stepped up preparedness. Ahead of the Republic Day parade on January 26, North District Police conducted a series of simulated mock drills at vulnerable and high-footfall locations to assess response time and coordination among various stakeholders.

Four mock drills were carried out during the first fortnight of January 2026 at sensitive sites across North Delhi. These included vital installations, historical monuments, major markets and transport hubs where large numbers of people gather daily. Locations covered under the drills included the Red Fort, ISBT Kashmere Gate, Chandni Chowk, Khari Baoli, Sadar Bazar and several Metro stations, all considered highly sensitive from a security standpoint.

Officials said the drills were aimed at testing emergency response mechanisms, improving inter-agency coordination and ensuring heightened vigilance in the run-up to Republic Day.