Nation on alert after Noida encounter

The national capital Delhi and neighbouring areas have been put under high alert after the Noida encounter in which two suspected Pakistani militants were shot dead by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terror squad (ATS) and UP police early Sunday in the national capital region Noida.

At around 2.15 am, ATS team had intercepted two terrorists travelling in a white Maruti 800 car in Noida Sector 97.

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The suspects were asked to surrender, but they opened fire at the security personnel, who fired back at them.

Both the terrorists injured in the shootout were taken to hospitals, where they were declared brought dead. Following the incident ahead of the Republic Day celebration, security has been beefed up in all major cities across the nation.

The identity of the terrorists has been linked to Pakistan. 'The two were identified as Abu Ismail of Rawalkot and Farookh alias Ali Ahmed of Rahimyar Khan in Pakistan,' Additional Director General of Police (Uttar Pradesh ATS) Brij Lal said at a press conference in Lucknow.

Two AK-47s, five hand grenades, RDX, detonators, Pakistani passports along with Rs.18,000 in cash were recovered from the suspected terrorists, he added.

According to sources, all intelligence agencies are on high alert to review Republic Day security. Crowded market places, Metro and railway stations, airports and all other sensitive points are under close watch.

‘Extra security cover has been extended to all the religious places in the capital,’ Delhi Police spokesman Rajan Bhagat told IANS.

Ever since the November terror attacks in Mumbai that left over 180 dead, it is feared that Delhi could come on terror hit list. Viewing all possibilities, heavy security with additional police personnel have already been deployed to observe a safe Republic Day on Monday.