Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata on Lashkar hit list

The Intelligence Bureau has put Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata on high alert after specific inputs that Lashkar-e-Toiba militants may strike "in groups"

Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata on Lashkar hit list

The Intelligence Bureau has put Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata on high alert after specific inputs that Lashkar-e-Toiba militants may strike "in groups".

The spy agency has alerted Mumbai police on November 17 that Christmas and New Year revelers may be targeted by the Pakistan-based terrorist group and the chief conspirator behind the 26/11 terrorist attacks on Mumbai.

"We will be taking precaution and enhance security in the wake of the inputs. Extra security measures will be ensured at high-rise buildings and hotels where people will gather in large numbers to celebrate Christmas and the New Year," a senior police official from Mumbai told MiD DAY over phone.

Though the Bureau has given no specific festival input for Delhi but for all cities it has been mentioned that high-rise buildings and hotels may be high on the hit list of the terrorists. Unlike other times, Kolkata has also been issued the warning.

"We in Delhi will be vigilant to handle any situation. There is enough security in the city. The inputs are not very specific for the national capital security has been enhanced all across the city. Police in mufti have been
deployed in markets, hotels and housing societies," said a senior Delhi Police official, requesting anonymity.u00a0

Delhi Police, Public Relations Officer Rajan Bhagat refused to comment on the threat or IB input. "We are prepared to meet all kinds of threats," he said.

A spokesperson for The Claridges hotel in New Delhi confirmed receiving a directive last month from the police to augment security. "Yes, we have received a directive. We are anyway situated in the high security zone, so we have a PCR van stationed outside our gate."