Lashkar makes I-Day plans for metros

RPK

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Lashkar makes I-Day plans for metros

NEW DELHI: The Lashkar-e-Taiba is plotting to strike once again around August 15, this time in the three metros of Delhi, Hyderabad and Kolkata,
according to specific intelligence inputs with the Centre.

Home ministry sources disclosed that the fresh terror threat follows an increase in infiltration from across the western border in the recent months. Intelligence agencies have specific inputs that several of these infiltrated terrorists have already moved beyond J&K to the country’s hinterland, and may be holed up in cities like Kolkata, preparing for a fresh strike around the Independence Day.

The Union home ministry has already alerted the states concerned by sending out advisories seeking heightened vigil at key buildings and crowded places around August 15. The alert would extend to the upcoming religious events and festival season as well, starting with the month of Ramzan that begins on August 21 followed by Durga Puja, Dussehra and Diwali.

More than 200 cases of infiltration have been recorded so far in 2009, compared to just 263 cases in the whole of 2008. This has the security agencies worried as they feel that intruders may be lying low, waiting for the right opportunity to unleash terror.

To cite an instance, though 300-400 terrorists are estimated to be holed up in and around Srinagar, there has been no major attack so far. The intelligence agencies had feared that the Amarnath Yatra would be targeted, but it ended peacefully on Wednesday. Now, with intercepts hinting at the presence of intruders in cities like Delhi, Kolkata and Hyderabad, the agencies are busy tracking their movements and hope to intercept them before they can strike.

“The infiltrators into J&K are lying low as they have not been able to strike in view of the stepped up vigil in the Valley state...but some have already fanned out to other states and may carry out an attack by going for easy targets,” warned a senior MHA official.

The threat of a terror attack or an insurgent strike grows manifold in the run-up to the Independence Day. Keen to defy the state, the rebel/terror groups aim to make a political point by hitting around the two days of national importance: Republic Day and Independence Day.

Stating that there is no indication of Pakistan having done anything so far to contain terrorist groups operating from its soil, a senior MHA official cited Wednesday’s multiple infiltration bids, during which 11 terrorists were neutralised, as well as the recent discovery of a tunnel dug across the Indo-Pak border to emphasise that terrorists continued to have a free run in the neighbouring country.

There is no way, the official insisted, that such large-scale infiltration as well as construction of the tunnel could happen without the knowledge of Pakistan.
 

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The Telegraph - Calcutta (Kolkata) | Nation | Lashkar eye on Calcutta

New Delhi, Aug. 6: The home ministry has warned of Lashkar strikes on Calcutta, Delhi and Hyderabad around Independence Day.

In Bengal, where the government is preoccupied with the Maoist trouble and political clashes, terrorists could use the opportunity to foment trouble in Calcutta, sources in the ministry said.

The city remains on the terror hit list, with inputs “every other month” about it being a corridor or a meeting spot for Lashkar operatives, the sources said.

Last year, an alleged attempt by jihadi groups to create trouble in the city was foiled, though the plot wasn’t related to Independence Day.

Of the three cities, the threat to Hyderabad, which had witnessed two blasts in quick succession in 2007, is said to be the greatest.

Hyderabad is hosting the badminton world championship from August 10 to 16, the first time the tournament will be played in India. Over 325 players and officials from 45 countries are expected to participate. “We are awake to the threat,” a senior police official said from Hyderabad.

In Delhi, a security blanket will envelop the Red Fort, from whose ramparts Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will address the nation. Union home secretary G.K. Pillai today held meetings with officials to review the I-Day threat.

Delhi police tonight arrested two suspected Hizb-ul militants allegedly planning attacks ahead of August 15
 

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Kolkata, Delhi in LeT sights

Statesman News Service
NEW DELHI, 6 AUG: The Lashkar-e-Taiyyaba is planning to target metropolitan cities including Delhi, Kolkata and Hyderabad to disturb the Independence Day celebrations, Intelligence agencies have told the home ministry. They have some “specific inputs” to support the claim.
The home ministry has passed on the inputs to state governments urging them to beef up security. Security agencies have also increased searches and regular screening at all exit and entry points of Delhi, vulnerable areas of Hyderabad and Kolkata and are also keeping a close watch on the activities of ground workers of various terrorist outfits.
Security agencies have fanned informers in the walled city where the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, will unfurl the Tricolour and address the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort on 15 August. “The next 10 days are very crucial. We are taking all necessary steps to foil the designs of LeT to strike at the three cities,” said a senior home ministry official.
Intelligence agencies also referred to the disclosures made by terrorists who were nabbed along the LoC. During interrogation they revealed that they had been tasked to meet some of the terror cells in these cities to carry out attacks ahead of Independence Day.
Security at important public places and vital installations, including Delhi Metro and railway stations, bus terminals and crowded marketplaces, has been tightened. Security agencies have also increased electronic surveillance at all important and strategic locations including religious places in the Capital as well as air space.
Delhi Police is leaving no stone unturned in securing the city by deploying Quick Reaction Teams with a special focus on vital installations.
Two suspected Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists, who were allegedly planning terror strikes ahead of Independence Day, were arrested tonight, a senior Delhi police official said.
Javed Ahmed and Ashiq Ali were apprehended by Delhi Police' special cell from the Daryaganj area when they were travelling in a white Santro car, said joint police commissioner Mr PN Agarwal.
 

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