Bangalore: Security was Monday intensified
in Karnataka, particularly in coastal areas, after a terror
alert was sounded by central intelligence agencies.
"A high alert has been sounded in the state,
especially in coastal districts following an alert from the
Centre", Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa told reporters after
chairing a meeting with top officials of Home Department here.
These agencies had warned that terror outfits might
target places of worship and crowded spots in parts of the
state, particularly those thronged by foreigners for New Year
celebrations, official sources said.
However, Yeddyurappa said there were no reports about
terrorists infiltrating into the state.
He said a 550-member strong para-military force
provided by the Centre was stationed here for deployment
during exigency.
Security and vigil had been scaled up in coastal
areas. Police also tightened security at all reservoirs and
malls following the alert.
State Home Minister R Ashok, Chief Secretary SV
Ranganath, City Police Commissioner Shankar Bidari, Principal
Home Secretary KM Shivakumar and others attended the meeting.
High-alert in Mumbai, Gujarat
The threat to Karnataka comes even as a heightened level of vigil is being maintained in Mumbai and Ahmedabad in view of reports that Lashkar-e-Toiba militants are on the lookout to carry out terror strikes in these two cities.
With PTI inputs
First Published: Monday, December 27, 2010, 15:00