Security alert sounded ahead of Diwali and Obama visit

NEW DELHI: On the eve of Diwali and the high profile visit of US President Barack Obama, the Home Ministry today asked Maharashtra, Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir governments to beef up security during this period in view of intelligence inputs of possible terror strikes.

The alert was sounded following intelligence inputs that terror groups like Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed or Indian Mujahideen may try to target these cities to get publicity during the three-day visit of Obama, beginning November six, official sources said here.

The US President will visit Mumbai and Delhi while Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed violence in the past during the visit of US President Bill Clinton in March, 2000 when 36 Sikhs were killed by Lashker-e-Taiba terrorists led by Muzamil, one of the key conspirators of 26/11 Mumbai strikes.

The security agencies in Kashmir were trying to verify an intelligence input suggesting that JeM had sent in some of its suicide squads into the Valley.

State Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today reviewed the security with top Army and Police brass in Jammu and asked them to step up combing operations in all higher reaches of the Valley.

In the alert to all states and UTs, the Home Ministry asked them to deploy additional forces in markets, religious and other public places to keep extra vigil in view of Diwali, which will be celebrated on November 5.

In Delhi, Close Circuit Television network was operationalised in 10 more markets which are frequented during the festive season.