Gujarat police beefs up security in state after terror alert

AHMEDABAD: Following an alert sounded by the Central Intelligence Bureau about possible terror attacks across the country, Gujarat police have beefed up security at all major establishments and also along the coastline.

Minister of State for Home Rajnikant Patel said all the necessary steps were being taken to thwart terror attacks.

"After the alert, we have beefed up the security at all the important places and asked the respective heads of police to increase vigilance in their areas. I also appeal to the people that they should remain alert and inform police if they learn about any suspicious activity or a person," said Patel.

The alert was sounded after Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, the mastermind of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks was released from a jail in Pakistan a few days ago.

To stop possible entry of terrorists by the sea route, as in the case of Mumbai attacks, state coastal police have roped in local fishermen, apart from the Coast Guard and the Navy, for a round-the-clock surveillance.

"We have held meetings with local fishermen in all the coastal districts and asked them to inform the police if they notice anything suspicious," said Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of coastal security S G Trivedi.

He further added that all the superintendents of police of coastal areas, such as Porbandar and Jamnagar, have been asked to increase the vigilance.

"For enhanced security, we are also in live contact with Coast Guard and Navy to keep a check on suspicious movements," said Trivedi.