Security tightened across Karnataka

Bangalore, Dec 5 (IANS) Karnataka Friday increased security at major places of worship, rail and bus terminals across the state while police and paramilitary forces remained on high alert at the Bangalore airport on the eve of the Babri mosque demolition anniversary and in view of a terror threat, officials said.

'Security to key installations like reservoirs and power plants in the state has also been increased from Friday,' Home Minister V.S. Acharya told reporters after a meeting with civil and police officials.

He, however, said that increased security at reservoirs and power plants was not because of the terror threat alert from the central government following last week's attack on Mumbai.

'We had decided to post armed policemen to guard these installations and they have been deployed now,' Acharya said.

He also said that strict security measures were in place at the airport, rail and bus terminals in Bangalore and other major cities and towns in the state and 'there was no need for people to worry'.

Director General of Police R. Srikumar said major places of worship, IT/BT firms, rail and bus terminal and markets in Bangalore have all been given extra security.

At the airport, rail and bus stations, police have introduced multi-layer checks of vehicles and luggage. Passengers and visitors are frisked. Entry of visitors to the check-in lounge at the airport has been barred.

The Bangalore airport at Devanahalli, about 35 km from the city centre, is guarded by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel along with state police.