Country-Wide Security Alert

NEW DELHI - An alert was sounded today in major capitals and sensitive towns across India following the terror attack on the makeshift temple in Ayodhya this morning. Security was particularly tightened around important temples and other place, if worship across the country in view of the targeting of the makeshift shrine where once the Babri Masjid structure stood and the possible repercussions it may have.

In Delhi, security was beefed up near the temples and the RSS headquarters in Jandewalan area in a crowded area in the central part.

Additional personnel of police and para-military forces have been mobilised in Delhi and patrolling has been intensified.

In Mumbai, the scene of serial blasts and riots after the December 1992 demolition of the disputed structure in Ayodhya, security was beefed-up.

"We have taken special measures outside temples and other religious places in the city following the the Ayodhya incident, Police Commissioner A N Roy, said.

Additional forces have been deployed at prominent temples and other places of worship. Security has also been beefed up an the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) installations across the country, Chief Security Officer of DAE N C Gop, said.

Security was also alerted across West Bengal with special emphasis on communally-sensitive areas.

In Surat, where the RSS is holding a conclave, a security cordon was thrown around the venue of the meeting.

A high alert was also sounded in the Char Dham shrine circuit comprising Badrinath, Kedarnafh, Yamunotri and Gangotri m Uttaranchal and Krishna Janamabhoomi. "Our police force has been put on high alert,” Deputy Inspector General of Police R Singh Meena, said in Dehra Dun.

Police have been asked to be on patrol day and night in Badrinath temple area as it is one of the famous shrines in Uttaranchal, he said. Uttaranchal is attracting hundreds of pilgrims as the Chardham Yatra is going on.