Kolkata, Delhi in LeT sights

Kolkata

NEW DELHI, 6 AUG: The Lashkar-e-Taiyyaba is planning to target metropolitan cities including Delhi, Kolkata and Hyderabad to disturb the Independence Day celebrations, Intelligence agencies have told the home ministry. They have some “specific inputs” to support the claim.

The home ministry has passed on the inputs to state governments urging them to beef up security. Security agencies have also increased searches and regular screening at all exit and entry points of Delhi, vulnerable areas of Hyderabad and Kolkata and are also keeping a close watch on the activities of ground workers of various terrorist outfits.

Security agencies have fanned informers in the walled city where the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, will unfurl the Tricolour and address the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort on 15 August. “The next 10 days are very crucial. We are taking all necessary steps to foil the designs of LeT to strike at the three cities,” said a senior home ministry official.

Intelligence agencies also referred to the disclosures made by terrorists who were nabbed along the LoC. During interrogation they revealed that they had been tasked to meet some of the terror cells in these cities to carry out attacks ahead of Independence Day.

Security at important public places and vital installations, including Delhi Metro and railway stations, bus terminals and crowded marketplaces, has been tightened. Security agencies have also increased electronic surveillance at all important and strategic locations including religious places in the Capital as well as air space.

Delhi Police is leaving no stone unturned in securing the city by deploying Quick Reaction Teams with a special focus on vital installations.

Two suspected Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists, who were allegedly planning terror strikes ahead of Independence Day, were arrested tonight, a senior Delhi police official said.

Javed Ahmed and Ashiq Ali were apprehended by Delhi Police' special cell from the Daryaganj area when they were travelling in a white Santro car, said joint police commissioner Mr PN Agarwal.