India on high alert owing to terror threat on 'Maha Shivratri'

India remained on high alert owing to a terror threat on 'Maha Shivratri' today as temples and strategic places were under tight vigil amid inputs that 10 LeT and JeM terrorists have entered India from Pakistan through Gujarat which saw an unprecedented security cover.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the internal security situation in the country at a high-level meeting in Delhi attended by top security officials including Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and Director of Intelligence Bureau Dineshwar Sharma.
As a multi-city alert remained in place, Singh took stock of the situation and the steps taken to prevent any possible terror attacks.

An alert has already been sounded in Gujarat and other major metropolitan centres by central security agencies following reports that the 10 terrorists are on a mission to carry out attacks against high-value targets. However, so far there is no clue about the suspected terrorists.
A similar alert has also been sent to Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chandigarh.
In the national capital, Police presence and patrolling around temples which were teeming with devotees, popular markets, iconic buildings and other places like metro stations, railway stations and bus terminus, which witness very high footfall, have been stepped up, a senior official said.

Four NSG teams were stationed in Gujarat where massive police combing operations and robust security were in place at major temples and other vital installations.

Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel held a high-level security meeting to review the situation. Inspite of reports that terrorists might strike in Delhi or other places, Gujarat Police has decided to not to let its guard down till they are 100 per cent sure that the state is safe.
"We have informed the CM about steps taken by state police to thwart any terror strike in Gujarat. We have also informed the CM about what kind of co-operation we are getting from para-military forces and central agencies in our efforts to intensify the security cover in the state," Gujarat DGP P C Thakur said.

Since Somnath temple in Gir-Somnath district has remained on the target of terrorists, more than 250 policemen along with State Reserve Police as well as NSG commandos are deployed in and outside the temple since yesterday.
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In New Delhi, after the review meeting, Home Minister
Rajnath Singh said that action has been taken following the intelligence inputs.
"We have received some information and whatever necessary instructions had to be given, have been given," Singh told reporters.
Singh also reviewed the steps taken to beef up security in strategic locations, religious sites and industrial spots in Gujarat and metro cities apprehending threats, official sources said.

Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said security agencies were working and taking necessary steps after receiving the intelligence inputs.
In Kolkata, security has been beefed up in the city while general entry at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose international airport has been banned for three days after receiving a threat mail.
In view of the January 2 terror attack in Pathankot airbase, security agencies were not taking any chances and all possible steps are being taken to prevent any terror strike.