Security stepped up after Hafiz Saeed’s threat

Mangalore Today/DHNS

New Delhi, Aug 9, 2013: Security has been beefed up in the national capital following inputs from central security agencies that Pakistan-based Lashker-e-Taiba terror group may attempt to attack markets or places of strategic importance.

The alert quoted a paragraph from speech of Hafiz Saeed, founder of Lashker-e-Taiba, delivered last month in Pakistan where he had openly threatened that his terrorists will carry out an attack in the national capital.

 

The information was shared with Delhi Police which immediately beefed up the security in market places and important government and private buildings.


Close circuit television cameras installed in various market places and shopping malls were being thoroghly monitored by the police besides sensitising the shop and business establishment owners in the city, sources said.

However, Delhi Police Commissioner B S Bassi sought to downplay the heightened security in the city saying the force has been constantly reviewing the security arrangements in view of the Independence Day celebrations.

"We are maintaining a high vigil as part of preparations for the Independence Day celebrations," he told PTI.

Asked whether police has got any input from intelligence agencies about possible terror strike by Lashker-e-Taiba, he declined to comment.

"I cannot say anything specific," he said.

When contacted, another top police official said: "Whatever security measures are needed to be put in place to ensure foolproof security in the city are being done."

Saeed, the mastermind of the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai, today tweeted that that "time is near when those oppressed in Kashmir, Palestine and Burma will celebrate Eid in the air of Freedom".

India has repeatedly asked Pakistan to bring Saeed to justice for masterminding the 2008 Mumbai attacks. He has often been seen addressing anti-India rallies in Pakistan. Islamabad says it has no proof against him.

The sources said an intense vigil is being maintained on key installations like Parliament complex, international airport, railway stations, inter-state bus terminals and Metro stations.
Police have also intensified checking at all the border points, the officials said.