New Delhi: On the eve of Diwali and the high
profile visit of US President Barack Obama, the Home Ministry
today asked Maharashtra, Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir
governments to beef up security during this period in view of
intelligence inputs of possible terror strikes.
The alert was sounded following intelligence inputs that
terror groups like Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed or Indian
Mujahideen may try to target these cities to get publicity
during the three-day visit of Obama, beginning November six,
official sources said here.
The US President will visit Mumbai and Delhi while Jammu
and Kashmir has witnessed violence in the past during the
visit of US President Bill Clinton in March, 2000 when 36
Sikhs were killed by Lashker-e-Taiba terrorists led by
Muzamil, one of the key conspirators of 26/11 Mumbai strikes.
The security agencies in Kashmir were trying to verify
an intelligence input suggesting that JeM had sent in some of
its suicide squads into the Valley.
State Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today reviewed the
security with top Army and Police brass in Jammu and asked
them to step up combing operations in all higher reaches of
the Valley.
In the alert to all states and UTs, the Home Ministry
asked them to deploy additional forces in markets, religious
and other public places to keep extra vigil in view of
Diwali, which will be celebrated on November 5.
In Delhi, Close Circuit Television network was
operationalised in 10 more markets which are frequented during
the festive season.
-PTI
First Published: Monday, November 01, 2010, 20:59