The Delhi police were put on high alert on Saturday after intelligence reports indicated possible terror strikes at public places, including busy markets and malls, here during the weekend. Nearly 10,000 additional personnel have been deployed across the city.
The security was intensified after an alert issued on Friday night by the Union Home Ministry and a travel advisory issued by the United States Embassy on Saturday stating there were increased indications of “imminent” terrorist attacks.
Official sources said both the U.S. and India were monitoring the different ends of the same intelligence chain. “We issued alerts last night [on Friday night] following electronic intercepts involving specific tasking to terrorists to do something today [Saturday],” an Indian official said. Following the same intelligence chain, the U.S. embassy here issued the advisory on Saturday.
The Home Ministry said all precautionary measures were in place and the public should remain vigilant and cooperate with security personnel.
Sources said the general alert was issued after reports indicated a rise in infiltration through Jammu and Kashmir, and that Pakistan-based terrorists might have sneaked into the country through Nepal or Bangladesh.
Delhi police spokesperson Rajan Bhagat said the force was aware of the advisory and all steps were taken. “Information about any suspicious object, person or vehicle can be given to the nearest police station or by dialling the toll free number 1090. The identity of the informer/caller will be kept secret.”
The reserve police force and under-training personnel have also been deployed. Patrolling has been intensified and barricades have been erected at various crowded places.
In the fresh advisory to American citizens, the U.S. embassy has said: “Terrorists have targeted places in the past where U.S. citizens or Westerners are known to congregate or visit. Markets such as those located in Chandni Chowk, Connaught Place, Greater Kailash, Karol Bagh, Mehrauli, and Sarojini Nagar can be especially attractive targets for terrorist groups. If you are in an area where unattended packages are spotted, you should immediately exit the area and report the packages to authorities.” The embassy issued similar advisories on April 21 and April 16 too.
The High Commissions of the United Kingdom, Australian and Canada have issued similar advisories earlier, and these were updated on Saturday.
