#TerrorAlert: JeM terror plans intercepted, Delhi on high alert
On Saturday, the national capital was put on high alert after intelligence agencies came across messages detailing attack plans in a WhatsApp group believed to be run by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM). A couple of days earlier, the counter intelligence wing of the Punjab Police had warned that at least six JeM terrorist were headed towards Delhi. Here are the details.
The JeM terrorists are planning to attack security establishments
A letter circulated by the Intelligence Bureau has revealed that a Pakistani national and JeM youth wing member, Ameer Hamza, circulated a message on a WhatsApp group believed to be run by JeM. The message revealed that JeM terrorists were planning to carry out attacks on security establishments in Delhi to "avenge" the killing of its commander Usman, alias Huzaifa, in Pulwama in end-October.
All concerned security agencies have been duly alerted
Given the threat, the IB has instructed security establishments like the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), National Security Guards (NSG), Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the Delhi Police to maintain "high priority alert", and ramp up security at important establishments in the national capital. It has also advised security forces to maintain "constant liaison" with intelligence agencies for information sharing.
All Delhi-NCR-based battalions have been asked to take preventive action
"It is requested to issue necessary guidelines and instructions to all unit commanders of Delhi-NCR based units/battalions to take all precautionary and preventive measures to avoid any untoward incident," read the notification by the IB
Precautionary measures being taken by security establishments
Based on the IB's instructions, anti-terror Parakram vans have been stationed outside malls and markets, while city patrolling has been stepped up by the local police. Security has been beefed at the Delhi airport, metro stations, and railway stations, with dog squads being deployed to scan trains. Pickets have been raised on important routes and vehicular checking has been stepped up too.
Vehicular terrorism is a major threat, says CISF official
"We are especially focusing on the city-side. Vehicular terrorism is a major threat that we are concerned about. Additional barricades have been erected and anti-terror squads are on the alert," a CISF officer told HT.
