Ahead of the high-profile visit of US President Barack Obama and the upcoming festive season, the home ministry on Monday asked states, especially Maharashtra, Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir governments to beef up security during the period to avert 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 Mr Obama, beginning November 6, official sources said.
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 LeT terrorists led by Muzamil, one of the key conspirators of 26/11 Mumbai strikes. Sources said that security agencies in Kashmir are trying to verify an intelligence input suggesting that JeM had sent in some of its suicide squads into 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, CCTV network was operationalised in 10 more markets which are frequented during the festive season.
Meanwhile, a high-level meeting of top security officials was held here on Monday to review the security arrangements during Mr Obama’s address in Parliament on November 8. Government sources said that discussions were held on enhancing the security set-up by putting in place high-tech equipment and other security gadgets for surveillance. Issues of increased deployment of security forces also figured in the meeting attended by home secretary G.K. Pillai, NSG and the Delhi police officials and other stakeholders.
Meanwhile, all shops and commercial establishments falling on the roads from where US President Barack Obama’s convoy is likely to pass will remain closed in the city when he comes visiting here. Also, the police will ensure that there are no posters of any kind pasted along the route. Meanwhile, virtually not a single inch in Maurya Sheraton would be off from the CCTV cameras as unprecedented security preparations begin.
The decision to close all commercial establishments falling under US president’s route follows the Central and the state government’s directions, said a senior police officer.