India on high alert for Shivratri terror threat, Lashkar militants may have sneaked into Delhi

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi Mar 07, 2016 : Gujarat, other metros and Jammu and Kashmir were put on high alert and raids were conducted at Kutch and other places. A constant vigil is being maintained near prominent malls, hospitals, educational institutes, railway stations, airports and at all major temples across the country.

The nation celebrates Mahashivratri festival today with increased security in Shiv temples across the country, including the Somnath temple in Gujarat, following intelligence reports of 10 Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists having sneaked into the country from Pakistan through Gujarat.

Owing to the terror threat, the Gir-Somnath district authorities have postponed today’s cultural event at the temple and a NSG team has been deployed.

Gujarat, other metros and Jammu and Kashmir were put on high alert and raids were conducted at Kutch and other places. A constant vigil is being maintained near prominent malls, hospitals, educational institutes, railway stations, airports and at all major temples across the country.

Intelligence agencies had sent an alert to (Commissioners of police) of Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Cybrabad and Bengaluru on March 5, 2016 saying that Lashkar, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) plan to carry out terrorist action in India. This alert was also sent to DGPs of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana.

In view of the input, Delhi Police heightened its vigil near iconic buildings and military installations in the national capital and security arrangements were stepped up near prominent malls, hospitals, schools and colleges in the city. Agencies have information that terrorists may have sneaked into the Capital for an attack even as four elite NSG teams were rushed to Gujarat.

Security at all prominent government establishments like including IGI Airport, Metro and railway stations and ISBTs was beefed up.

According to a senior police official, police have asked their officials to continue patrolling and also keep a track on suspicious vehicles. "We have deployed teams at various strategic positions, including markets, malls, temples, etc. Also, we have asked personnel to keep a check on suspicious vehicles and activities," a senior official said.
The Special Cell and Crime Branch of the Delhi Police have been briefed about the input separately so that activities of gangs operating in and around the city and elements with suspected terror links can be monitored. The police are also ensuring that CCTV cameras at all places with high footfall, like popular markets and metro stations are functional. Patrolling across the city has been intensified.

An advisory has been issued to enhance security at all strategic locations, sensitive industrial sites and religious places in Gujarat after intelligence inputs suggested that the terrorists have entered the state from the sea, official sources said.

Gujarat DGP PC Thakur held a meeting with NSG officials in Gandhinagar and announced that a team will be sent to step up security at Somnath temple. He also issued orders cancelling leave of all policemen. "Four teams of NSG reached here (Gandhinagar) on Saturday night. Out of these, three will remain here, while one team will go to Somnath," he said. Each team may have between 50 to 90 personnel.

 

Courtesy:India Today