Gujarat, M’rashtra told to beef up coastal security

NEW DELHI: The Centre, based on latest inputs about Lashkar-e-Taiba���s (LeT) reported plans to target iconic buildings and industrial installations dotting the Maharashtra and Gujarat coast, has warned the two states to immediately step up coastal surveillance and patrolling. According to intelligence reports, LeT has already instructed its local handlers to set up a base in Kutch to target these installations, including some in the private sector.

It may be recalled that the two states have several vital installations, including atomic power plants and refineries like Reliance���s Jamnagar unit, along their coastline. The Centre, according to a Times Now news report, wrote to the DGPs of Maharashtra and Gujarat on June 24 sharing the aforesaid coastal threat from LeT. The IB letter states that there is evidence that Pakistani groups, including Lashkar-e-Toiba, were conspiring to strike terror along the coast of Maharashtra and Gujarat.

According to IB, targetting installations along the coast, in a manner similar to the 26/11 attacks on Mumbai ��� is a part of the terror outfits���s design to spread panic and paint India as an unsafe destination. According to the intelligence inputs, Pakistan-based LeT commanders have already instructed their Indian lackeys to establish a hideout along the Kutch coast.

The Centre has accordingly advised the two states to step up patrolling in the coastal areas, besides sensitising the coastal population, including fishermen, through special branch officers to report any suspicious persons or activity. Instructions have also reportedly gone out for stepped up patrolling of the high seas.