Kochi: Commandos have been posted at the
Jewish Synagogue at Mattancherry, the oldest place of worship
of the Jewish community in the Commonwealth region, and St
Francis church at Fort Kochi following a Union Home Ministry
alert about a possible terror strike in the city.
Police said 10 commandos each have been posted at St
Francis church and the Synagogue. A Quick Reaction Team of
Kerala police are among those manning the two heritage sites
in the light of intelligence inputs that Lashkar-e-Toiba
militants may attempt to strike in the city.
The remains of Potuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama was first
buried at St Francis church before it was taken to his
country.
Police said sea patrolling has been intensified and
vehicles are also being checked.
Kochi Police Commissioner Manoj Abraham convened a meeting
of officials of Cochin Port, Cochin Shipyard, Navy, Coast
Guard, Central Industrial Security Force and five star hotels
today and asked them to heighten security.
Kochi houses various important installations, including
Southern Naval Command and Cochin Shipyard Ltd, where India's
first indigenously developed aircraft carrier is being built.
Security has also been stepped up at Kochi airport and
High Court premises, as also at two Hotels of the Taj group.
Union Home Secretary G K Pillai had yesterday informed the
Kochi Police Commissioner and asked him to beef up security in
and around Kochi.
PTI
First Published: Saturday, March 13, 2010, 18:01