Karnataka on high alert, tight security in Bangalore

Bangalore, Nov 27 (IANS) Karnataka has been put on high alert Thursday and security has been beefed up in India's IT hub in the wake of terror attacks in Mumbai that began Wednesday night and left at least 101 people dead and 250 others injured.

'We have directed all IT & BT firms, multinationals, hotels, shopping centres and private organisations to enhance their private security system. The law and order situation and preparedness of the police across the state has been reviewed,' Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa told reporters after an emergency meeting with the top police brass.

The government has also directed the civil defence and fire forces to take all contingency measures. District administration has been instructed to take precautionary measures and keep vigil on all sensitive installations.

'I appeal to the public to assist the police and civil administration in giving information on movement of suspicious people and objects. I also appeal to the people not to panic and maintain calm in this hour of national crisis,' Yeddyurappa said.

Condemning the terror attacks in Mumbai, the chief minister said there was an urgent need to bring a central legislation on the lines of the repealed POTA (prevention of terrorist activities) to strengthen internal security.

When the chief minister was told the state had only a anti-terrorist cell and no anti-terrorist squad, Yeddyurappa said the government would do everything to strengthen the security system, including the setting up of ATS soon.

Meanwhile, Police Commissioner Shankar Bidari said the Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) commandos would be put on standby in Bangalore to meet any eventuality and thwart any attempt to disturb peace.

'All patrol squads have been alerted. Vigilance has been stepped up at vital and sensitive installations across the city. Security has been stepped up at the new international airport, railway stations, bus terminals, markets and in the central business district,' Bidari told reporters.

Asked whether the city police had any information on Deccan Mujahideen, which has claimed responsibility for the terror attacks in Mumbai, Bidari said he did not believe such an organisation existed as he had heard about it for the first time.

Leading five-star hotels of Taj group, Oberoi, Leela Palace, Le Meridien, Grand Ashok and ITC Windsor Manor have stepped up security and are maintaining extra vigil on the movement of people and vehicles.