Terror fallout: City events put off

Terror fallout: City events put off
DH News Service, Bangalore:
The City is on the radar of terrorist groups. Two days ago, the State Government got a dossier from the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Delhi, asking to be on high alert, especially at the Bengaluru International Airport...


In view of this, the State Cabinet, which met on Thursday, decided not to give permission for major events in Bangalore till January 15. The IB is learnt to have stated in a one-page letter that Bangalore is home to a number of IT and BT firms, vital defence and research institutions and hence considered as one of the key targets. The government has been asked to take extra precaution to avert a possible terror strike especially at the BIA. Chief Secretary Sudhakar Rao is learnt to have read out the letter during the State Cabinet meet chaired by Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa.

It is said that the chief minister has also directed the police not to give permission for the proposed Vishwa Kannadigara Jagruti Samavesha, organised by the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike on December 20 and 21 at the Palace Grounds. However, KRV president Narayana Gowda said they have the permission to hold the programme. Bangalore Habba, the annual cultural festival, which was to be held between December 4 and 21, has also been postponed.

Minister Shobha Karandlaje, while briefing the media said: “No major functions will be allowed to be held in Bangalore till January 15, due to security reasons. This restrictions will not applicable for other cities.” She did not mention anything about the IB letter. According to sources, the chief minister has advised his cabinet colleagues not to speak about this in public.

When asked about the proposed restrictions on public meeting and mega conventions, she said, “There is no specific reason. But we need to be alert. If a programme is held within four walls, providing security will not be a problem. But when it is conducted on streets or in public places, providing security will be difficult. Hence, we have decided not to give permission to hold public functions or meetings”.

Meanwhile, the cabinet has approved setting up of a rapid action force and recruit 750 personnel for the anti-terrorist squad, coastal security police, anti-naxal force and intelligence wing. Besides, a decision has been taken to scrap 1,500-old vehicles in the police department and buy new ones. Five hundred vehicles equipped with Global Positioning System will be given to naxal-infested districts. Another 100 similar vehicles will be be given to the Bangalore city police to be used under the Hoysala patrol team.

The cabinet also decided to set up three more units of India Reserve Battalions, each comprising 1,000 personnel. Each of these proposed battalions will be stationed at Davangere, Tumkur and Bijapur. A proposal at the cost of Rs 17 crore has been prepared and it will be sent to the Centre for approval, she added.

Official sources said the Centre has given sufficient hint about granting a unit of the National Security Guards in Bangalore.

FEAR OVER BANGALORE

*Unprecedented security arrangements at Bengaluru International Airport; over 2,000 CISF, KSRP
commandos deployed.

*Bengaluru Habba put off, after all the preparations. Organisers cite cabinet decision to cancel all mega functions till January 15.

*Anti Terrorist Cell to be strengthened, Govt promises promotion and 50 per cent salary hike for police
personnel who opt for this posting.

*Lax security at the Karnataka High Court. Weapons diverted for Vidhana Soudha security.
nAirlines begin checking in passengers three hours before flight take-off at BIA.