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Delhi blast triggers nationwide alert; security stepped up in UP

Varanasi/Lucknow/Allahabad , Wed, 07 Sep 2011 ANI

Varanasi/Lucknow/Allahabad, Sep 7 (ANI): Security has been stepped up in several sensitive cities of Uttar Pradesh under a nationwide alert in the wake of medium to high intensity blast that took place outside the Delhi High Court this morning.

 

Interestingly, Varanasi, considered one of the holiest cities in Hindu mythology, has been the target of many militant attacks in the past, the most recent one being a blast on the banks of the River Ganges, which killed one girl and injured 37 others.

 

Security officials were seen deployed at several sensitive spots across the town, conducting checks on suspicious items and persons to verify their credentials.

 

"In the wake of the blast that has occurred in New Delhi, we have put the city on high alert. Since this site could be a potential target, we are conducting security checks here with sniffer dogs. The whole city is on a high alert," said Varanasi Superintendent of Police Man Singh Chauhan.

 

However, locals remained skeptical of the security arrangements, claiming that the police action came only after militant attacks and that no preventive measures were ever taken.

 

Many went on to allege that on 'routine' days, police officials could be found sleeping while manning sensitive locations such as railway stations.

 

"The security checks that are happening in the town right now are taking place after a long time. It is only because of the blast in New Delhi that this action is being taken. Usually, there is no security arrangement in this town. If you (mediapersons) would conduct a surprise check here, you will find that many police officials manning the entrance of the railway station actually sleep on duty," said Vinod Singh, a local.

 

"Metal detectors are not working and many people even skip going through the detectors. But I feel that all citizens should cooperate in the security checks," he added.

 

Meanwhile, in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow city, police officials carried out checks across the city in response to the blast in New Delhi.

 

Armed personnel, aided by sniffer dogs and gadgets, were seen combing public places like malls, parking lots and other government institutions.

 

"We have conducted manual checking in the parking lots both outside as well as inside the court complex with our gadgets. Besides this, we have also stepped up security checks in malls, markets and other public places," said D.K. Thakur, Deputy Inspector General of Police in Lucknow.

 

The irate locals in Varanasi, however, deemed the security 'beef up' a facade, stressing that police protection was meant only for the politicians.

 

"No, there is no effective security here. All the security arrangements in this country are only for the politicians. Police are always busy protecting the politicians. There is a dearth of security personnel in the nation. Security is only beefed up after a blast or militant attack has taken place," said Umesh Aggarwal, a local.

 

Security was also increased in Uttar Pradesh's Allahabad city with scores of policemen manning the streets and important landmarks such as the High Court, to thwart any untoward incident.

 

According to latest reports, at least 11 people have been killed and around 76 others left injured following the blast. The blast took place outside Delhi High Court's Gate Number Five at around 10: 14 a.m.

 

The Union Home Ministry continues to assess the situation arising out of the blast. A national alert is in place in the wake of the incident. (ANI)

 


Read More: Delhi

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