Unprecedented security cover in Guj; CM reviews situation

Ahmedabad: After the IB terror alert for Gujarat, an unprecedented security cover was thrown over the state on 'Maha Shivratri' with NSG teams deployed in the state and police undertaking massive combing operations amidst robust security at major temples and all vital installations.

Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel on Monday held a high- level security meeting to review the situation.

Despite reports that terrorists might strike in Delhi or other places, Gujarat Police have decided to not to let its guard down. Following the IB inputs a about possible terror attack in the state, Gujarat DGP PC Thakur has ordered massive security and search operations to identify any threats.

Of the four teams of National Security Guard (NSG) that dispatched by the Centre on Saturday night, one has been sent to secure the famous Somnath temple, which attracts a large number of people during Maha Shivratri.

The remaining three are stationed here. The Chief Minister reviewed the overall security arrangements and preparedness of state police at a meeting with key officials, including the DGP.

Thakur told mediapersons that the Chief Minister was apprised of how the state police is co-ordinating with national agencies to thwart any terror activity.

"We informed the CM about the steps taken by state police to thwart any terror strike in Gujarat. We also told her about the co-operation we are getting from para-military forces and central agencies in our efforts," said Thakur.

Commenting on reports that inputs about possible infiltration of terrorists in Gujarat was shared by Pakistan, Thakur said, without naming Pakistan, The source of the inputs is truly beyond our imagination. And when such inputs are coming from there, we have to take it very seriously. The terror input was shared by the Centre with 10 other states.

"This was a generic input shared by Delhi with 10 other states. We are taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of the people, Thakur said.

No suspects have been nabbed so far by security agencies anywhere in the state in the wake of the alert. "We cannot share all the information. We can only say that nothing suspicious has been found yet after the alert was given yesterday. We will continue our operation till we are 100 per cent sure. The alert is still in place," said DGP (IB & CID) Pramod Kumar.

Since Somnath temple in Gir-Somnath district is known to be on the terrorists' list of targets, more than 250 policemen along with State Reserve Police and NSG commandos have been deployed within and outside the temple since yesterday.

Following the terror threat, local administration in Gir- Somnath district cancelled a cultural event which was to be held on the premises of the temple yesterday.

Apart from famous temples, including Bhavnath in Junagadh and Nageshwar in Dwarka, police have secured facilities such as hospitals, dams, railway stations and other public places.

Policemen were seen searching vehicles on the roads and doing night patrolling in various parts of state.

The Chief Minister said the state administration is fully prepared to deal with any situation. With the kind of arrangements made by the state government, and the help offered by the Centre, I do not think any untoward incident will take place, she had told reporters yesterday.

PTI