Amidst reports of Pakistan-based militants planning suicide attacks on important personalities, security agencies are reviewing security of defence minister George Fernandes and Minister of State of external affairs Omar Abdullah, who are said to be on the top of their hit list. Fernandes, who assumed charge as defence minister for the second time in the Vajpayee cabinet, could be an easy prey for militants as he had been moving without security ever since he became a union minister, official sources said.
Following the September 11 attacks in the US and various wireless intercepts, the security agencies had made an unsuccessful attempt to persuade Fernandes to accept security. A special review for Fernandes's security was made by the security agencies on Monday. The officials might seek good offices of home minister or Prime Minister to persuade him to take security cover, the sources said.
Meanwhile, the security agencies have gone in a tizzy over the threat perception to Omar. Two men have been detained in Jammu, who were reported to be working on a strategy to carry out a suicide attack at his residence in the capital. The Minister of State is already under the close cover of special security group of Jammu and Kashmir police with a peripheral cover of Delhi police. However, the security agencies will soon recommend upgradation of his security besides providing additional security cover during travelling, the sources said.
Security of home minister L K Advani, who is topping the list, is being reviewed on a daily basis.
Bureau Report