Government asks states to remain vigil during new year celebrations

NEW DELHI: The Centre has asked all states to be extra vigilant to thwart any attempt by terrorists and subversive elements to disrupt peace, particularly in popular tourist destinations, during the new year festivities.

Intelligence agencies have issued a country-wide advisory asking all states to deploy additional forces in crowded places like railway stations, bus terminus, markets and religious places to foil attempts by terrorists to carry out attacks.

The advisory was issued after intelligence inputs suggested that Pakistan-based terror groups may try to enter India and resort to violence, official sources said.

The police forces of major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Goa have been asked to be extra vigilant during the upcoming new year celebrations.

The states were also asked to be alert against provocative sloganeering, especially near temple, churches, mosques and dargahs as forcible collection of donations, eve teasing often trigger communal tensions.