Following inputs by foreign intelligence agencies on global terror outfits Al-Qaeda and Lashkar-e-Taiba hatching a conspiracy to launch 26/11-type terror attacks during the on-going ICC World Cup mega-event, the Centre has put all venues and cities on high alert till April 2.
India has stepped up its security in states hosting the World Cup cricket, following warnings of possible terrorist attacks on tournament venues.
The Home Ministry has sounded a nationwide alert in the wake of inputs that the terror groups Al-Qaeda and Lashkar-e-Taiba are looking for opportunities to target the ongoing World Cup cricket matches in India.
A foreign intelligence agency has conveyed to India that some members of an operational cell of the terrorists already in the country, possibly entered via Nepal, and some more may arrive soon.
The Centre has asked the states to beef up security along the coastline, oil installations and all world cup venues. Indian Navy, Coast Guard, coastal police of the states and coastal villages have also been alerted.
World Cup-related alerts were sent to the police chiefs of Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal and the police commissioners of Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Nagpur, Chandigarh and Delhi.
The cricket venues in Maharashtra and Gujarat – specifically Nagpur, Mumbai and Ahmedabad – are “special concerns” as they are near the western coast.
According to sources quoted in the Indian media, the intelligence bureau has warned the Lashkar-e-Toiba group may be planning to strike during the cricket tournament, jointly hosted by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
The Pakistan-based group have been blamed for the Mumbai attacks in 2008, which killed more than 160 people.
The reports say India’s coastal states have been asked to take steps to detect any attempt by terrorists to sneak into India. Sources say that the intelligence bureau has intercepted messages discussing dates and timings of the matches being played in India.
