The Hindu : Ultras sneak in, Mumbai on alert

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jan 02, 2003

Other States

Other States - Maharashtra

Ultras sneak in, Mumbai on alert

Mumbai Jan. 1. The city would continue to be on a high security alert in the wake of intelligence reports that two members of the Pakistan-based terrorist outfit, Lashkar-e-Taiba, have sneaked into the commercial capital.

The Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, Chhagan Bhujbal, who also holds the Home portfolio, told reporters today that they had information from the Intelligence Bureau about the presence of the terrorists and a strict vigil is being maintained.

Asked about the identity of the terrorists, he, however, said they had not received their photographs, and declined to share any other information.

Police geared up security yesterday, especially at tourist spots such as the Gateway of India and beaches across the city in view of revellers thronging these places to celebrate the new year.

Patrolling has been intensified in the city and around vital installations, including the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, police said.

The Coast Guard, which looks after the offshore security, is maintaining a strict vigil in view of reports of the movement of arms-laden ship in the high seas, sources said.

``We are always on the alert. Reports or no reports we maintain a strict vigil in the coastal areas,'' a senior Coast Guard officer said, refusing to confirm or deny that arms-laden ship has been sighted.

The new Mumbai Police Commissioner, R.S. Sharma, after taking over as the 29th police chief yesterday, said tacking terrorism would be his priority.

Patrolling on the Konkan coast had also been intensified, police and Coast Guard sources said.

UNI

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Other States

Stories in this Section

Ultras sneak in, Mumbai on alert