Security beefed up for Jan. 1

Hyderabad, Dec. 27: The city police has intensified security arrangements for the New Year celebrations on the wake of Intelligence Bureau (IB) alert on possible disturbances and terror strikes in the state.

The commissioner of police, Mr B. Prasada Rao, said people to not worry about the terror threats and enjoy their celebrations.

“People can have normal celebrations and there is no need to panic. We have all the forces including extra policemen deployed in the state. We can any deal problems under any situation,” said Mr Prasada Rao.

According to intelligence agencies there is information that terrorists of sleeper cells are planning big strikes in the metros across the country including Hyderabad which is on the terror radar.

A senior intelligence official said: “Terror organisations the Lashkar-e-Tayyaba (LeT) and the Indian Mujahideen were silent this year in the state. They can take advantage of the volatile law and order situation in the state. The Telangana agitators are also likely to disturb the celebrations which will be held in the pubs, resorts owned by Andhra businessmen.”

Another official said: “The pubs and resorts in the state will have to get their own security. We can only provide patrolling.”

The police commissioner said permission had been accorded to celebrations that will go on beyond regular permitted hours. The permission is given by deputy commissioners of police.

He said the normal procedure will be followed while granting permission.