New Delhi: Security was stepped up in New Delhi on Sunday, a day after terrorists attacked the IAF base in Pathankot where fighting was still on, following reports that two Jaish-e-Mohammed militants were suspected to have sneaked into the national capital to carry out high-profile attacks, including taking hostages. The Delhi police is said to have received specific intelligence inputs about the presence of two Pakistani militants.
After throwing a tight security blanket across the city, police commissioner B.S. Bassi appealed to citizens to be vigilant bout suspicious persons and objects. He tweeted: “Citizens’ vigil against suspicious persons/objects/ activities is vital to counter terrorism. Report anything amiss no. 100 or helpline 1090 (sic).”
The police chief is also said to have held a meeting with his top officers and the department sought the help of Central paramilitary forces for security, especially around vital installations in the city.
A senior police officer said his force has inputs regarding two JeM members who have sneaked into Delhi and are suspected to be planning high-profile attacks or hostage crises. “We have also got a few additional companies of paramilitary forces to increase security following the alert,” he said.
Read:
Pathankot air base under siege
Pathankot terror attack: Punjab seeks more BSF troops along border
Hit exposes huge lapses in security
The city had already been put on high alert on Saturday when the IAF base at Pathankot was attacked. Security cover was tightened at airports, railway stations, bus stands and other vital installations. Vigil was also heightened in several areas, including popular market places, in South Delhi, Central Delhi and in the VIP movement zone in Lutyens’ Delhi.
It is learnt that Crime Branch and Delhi police special cell sleuths were also roped in and that security units were asked to strategise to counter potential threats to VIPs.
Joint police commissioner M.K. Meena said instructions have been given to put up barricades and conduct round-the-clock checks. He said leave for officers has been cancelled and counter-terrorism measures have been put in place. “Security around railway and Metro stations has also been beefed up.”
Also Read:
Incidents like Pathankot attack must be dealt with heavy hand: Parkash Singh Badal
Omar Abdullah attacks Modi over speech on Yoga during Pathankot incident
Pakistan needs to curb terrorist organisations: VK Singh
Mr Meena, however, refused to comment on the specific inputs received. On Sunday, the Delhi-Lucknow Shatabdi was stopped for searches at Ghaziabad and the movement of several other trains disrupted after Northern Railways was alerted about a possible bomb threat to trains plying between Delhi and Kanpur.
e movement of several other trains disrupted after Northern Railways was alerted about a possible bomb threat to trains plying between Delhi and Kanpur.
