The Centre has issued a specific intelligence alert to Mumbai warning of possible attempts by Pakistan-based LeT to strike terror during the next ten days. A red alert has also been sounded in New Delhi after there were intelligence inputs to suggest that busy market places such as Palika Bazar may be targeted by terror outfits like the
Hizbul Mujahideen active in Kashmir. The intelligence inputs had suggested that Kashmiri terror outfits may strike in three markets in Delhi on November 17. “We are not taking any chances as the terror groups may try to create disturbance in the run up to the 26/11 anniversary. The red alert sounded in Delhi yesterday continues,” a senior government official said.
Government sources said that New Delhi has also refused to give Pakistan an access to the lone surviving 26/11 terrorist Ajmal Kasab and Indian national Fahim Ansari, who faced conspiracy charges but was acquitted. In its latest dossier to India, Pakistan has sought court access to both Kasab and Ansari. It had also sought inquest reports of all 166 dead victims and nine slain terrorists of the 26/11 terror strike. New Delhi is also keen to remind Pakistan that its demand for handing over voice samples of the 26/11 perpetrators in that country has still not been met. The report, which is likely to be sent to the neighbouring country in the next two-three days, will also speak about LeT founder Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind of the 26/11 attack, who is still a free man and the need for Pakistan to dismantle the terror infrastructure in that country.
Government sources said that Western intelligence agencies had informed New Delhi that the LeT may launch spectacular strikes in crowded places in Mumbai, similar to the one carried out two years ago. The Centre has asked security agencies to beef up security at all public places and vital installations in Mumbai and maintain high vigil.