Centre issues terror alert ahead of SAARC meet

The nation has been put on high alert following intelligence inputs that Pakistan-based terrorists, who are against any thaw in Indo-Pak relations, may strike in a desperate bid to derail the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation meeting in Islamabad.

Sources said the advisory issued by the ministry of home affairs has asked all states to maintain increased vigil and take precautionary measures to ensure security as Pakistan-based outfits, which are opposed to any dialogue between India and Pakistan, may strike at public places.

The terror alert came considering the fact that terrorists struck at a public place in Pune just days before the February 25 foreign secretary-level talks between India and Pakistan.

Home Minister P Chidambaram is scheduled to fly to Islamabad on Friday to attend a meeting of SAARC interior ministers apart from holding a bilateral meeting with his
Pakistan counterpart Rehman Malik.

Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao, Home Secretary G K Pillai and head of the Intelligence Bureau Rajiv Mathur are in Islamabad to hold talks with their respective counterparts.

"We have sent an alert to all states and are taking all necessary measures. There is a possibility that Pak-based elements may try to carry out terror strikes in the country," a
home ministry official said.

The advisory has asked states to be more vigilant and check crowded public places like markets, railway stations, bus terminals and parks besides other places of mass gathering, he said.

The home ministry also gave out a list of potential targets.