States warned of attacks in civilian areas

The Union government on Friday warned states against possible terror strikes in the hinterland in retaliation to the surgical strikes carried out by the Indian Army in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The ministry of home affairs issued advisories asking the states to be on alert for the next 10-15 days, following inputs from the Intelligence Bureau. Official sources said they do not want to leave any stone unturned in ensuring the safety of citizens. The inputs suggest that Pakistan’s retaliation to the surgical strikes could be in civilian areas.

With the festive season round the corner, security has been beefed up in crowded places like markets, railway and metro stations as well as airports across the country, they said.

A senior home ministry official, however, said there was nothing to worry as there were no specific inputs on possible attacks by Pakistan. All measures are in place and have been strengthened as required, the official said. Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday reviewed the security situation, especially along the border areas.

During the hour-long meeting, top officials explained to Singh the preparedness of the security establishment in dealing with any retaliatory strikes by the Pakistani forces. The home minister was also briefed on the ceasefire violations by Pakistan.

The meeting was attended by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and top officials of the security and intelligence agencies. The Border Security Force has been put on alert on the international border with Pakistan and asked to ably help the army along the Line of Control.

The forces have already increased the number of personnel on the international border in Jammu, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat by bringing in all personnel in reserve.

The entire western border is in a heightened state of alert. While the army personnel’s leaves in the Western and Northern commands have been curtailed, the Air Force repeated a rapid mobilisation-cum-air defence exercise in the western theatre within a gap of two weeks.

The IAF’s Exercise Talon, which involves the Western Air Command bases ranging from Adampur in Jammu and Kashmir to Halwara in Punjab, took part in the exercise. The Coast Guard too is on extra alert to ensure that there is no repeat of a 26/11-type attack. To avoid any casualty, civilian movement along the borders with Pakistan has been restricted, the officials said.