Police have been told to enhance security arrangements in crowded areas and security installations.
Highlights
- 10 terrorists suspected to have reached Delhi via Gujarat: Agencies
- Sources: Terrorists planning attack could strike malls, markets in Delhi
- Intelligence agencies: Terrorists could be from Lashkar or Jaish
A high alert was sounded in and around Delhi after security agencies voiced suspicion that the 10 terrorists, who may have entered India via Gujarat, have sneaked into the Capital.
Sources said the terrorists, who are planning a big strike, entered Delhi and could strike at malls and markets. The police have been told to enhance security arrangements in crowded areas and security installations.
The latest warning from intelligence agencies also says the terrorists could be from Lashkar-e-Taiba or Jaish-e-Mohammed.
Sources in Pakistan said an alert also came from Pakistan's National Security Adviser Nasir Khan Janjua that the ten terrorists were planning a strike in Gujarat during the Shivratri festival, which is on Monday.
While New Delhi did not confirm or deny this, security was strengthened across Gujarat and four teams of the National Security Guard commandos were sent to the state.
Combing operations are on at many locations. Besides Kutch, which shares border with Pakistan, searches are also being conducted along Gujarat's border with Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
Security has been increased at prominent temples, markets, railway stations, bus stands, malls and airport. The state police chief held a meeting with army and paramilitary officials earlier today to take stock of security preparedness. Late last night, he cancelled leave of all police personnel.
Yesterday, a Pakistani boat was seized by Border Security Force or BSF personnel in the Koteshwar creek area off the Kutch coast along the Indo-Pakistan border. But BSF officials said its occupants fled upon seeing the security personnel and nothing suspicious was found.
A top army commander had said there were "disturbing inputs" about a possible terror attack in the country aimed at creating "maximum impact" during the Shivratri festival and the ongoing Parliament session.
"There are security-related problems today. You know, Maha Shivratri is coming. There are inputs which are disturbing but notwithstanding that extra care has been taken," Western Army Commander Lt Gen KJ Singh had said, without giving any further details.