New Delhi, Jan 22: In view of the "especially
vulnerable" period in the run-up to Republic Day, the Union Home Ministry on Thursday said all states have been alerted in the backdrop of "serious threat" posed by terrorist and extremist groups.
"The period before and after the Republic Day is an
especially vulnerable period. The government has sensitised
states and asked them to remain at the highest level of
alertness," Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta told reporters.
He said states have upgraded their Intelligence
gathering machinery and undertaken a number of measures to
prevent and counter terrorist threats.
"Nevertheless, there are a number of terrorist,
extremist and insurgent groups which continue to pose a
serious threat to the security of the country," he said.
Gupta said alerts have been issued to all states and
wherever there was any specific input, it was passed on to
them.
"The Home Minister has held meetings to review the
security scenario," Gupta said, adding that he had discussed
arrangements with the Delhi Police in detail to ensure that
the Republic Day function passes off peacefully.
Gupta sought cooperation of the people in preventing
and countering terrorist threats.
"We appeal to the people to report suspicious
activities and movement of suspicious persons in their
neighbourhood to the local police," he said.
According to Gupta, security forces would be able to
discharge their duties more effectively if they have the
fullest cooperation of the people.
On its part, the government paid closest attention to
security situation and to terrorist threats emanating from
different organisations, he said, adding that Intelligence is
gathered and shared round the clock with all agencies of the
centre and the states.
Bureau Report
