Delhi under high vigil after terror alert

The national capital was put on high alert on Sunday and security was beefed up at vital installations, important buildings and crowded places after Delhi Police received inputs about a potential terror strike in the city by 10 suspected LeT and JeM militants who are learnt to have entered India through Gujarat. 

Delhi Police has heightened its vigil near iconic buildings and military installations in the national capital and security arrangements were stepped up near prominent malls, hospitals, schools and colleges in the city, a police source said. 

The Special Cell and Crime Branch of Delhi Police have been briefed about the input separately, so that activities of gangs operating in and around the city and elements with suspected terror links can be monitored. 

The police are also ensuring that CCTV cameras at all places with high footfall, like popular markets in the city and metro stations are functional. Patrolling across the city has been intensified, the source added.

Meanwhile, the Gir-Somnath district administration has decided to postpone a cultural event scheduled in the famous Somnath temple premises for the Maha Shivrati festival on Monday (today). Confirming the developments, Gir-Somnath District Collector Ajay Kumar said that the decision has been taken for the safety of citizens amid reports of a possible terror strike in Gujarat, including at Somnath temple. 

“The cultural programme was scheduled to be held in Somnath temple premises on Sunday and Monday. However, we have decided to postpone it looking at terror alert given by police. We will announce the new dates later,” he said. 

Among other leaders, local MLA and state Civil Aviation Minister Jasa Barad was also scheduled to attend the programme, he said. 

“Barad was among the dignitaries invited for the programme. Since a large number of people were expected to come to the cultural event, it may have caused security problem for the police. Thus, the event is cancelled as of now. It will be organised afterwards,” the Collector said.