Patil to visit Ajmer, Centre asks Raj Govt to strengthen security

New Delhi, Oct 12 (UNI) Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil would visit Ajmer tomorrow to take stock of the situation arising after the blast at the Durgah of Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chisti at Ajmer Sharif where a blast killed two persons and injured over 28 others yesterday.

Mr Patil had earlier condemned the blasts stating that it was the design of elements inimical to the country who wanted to create communal discord. He asked all states to remain alert, especially during the festival season. He also urged people to remain calm and maintain peace and communal harmony.

Earlier, an Investigation team of the National Security Guards reached Ajmer this morning to assist the state government in the investigation. Experts were examining the exact nature and type of device used in the blast.

The Home Ministry has been in close touch with the State Government after the blast and is monitoring the situation. It has asked the Rajasthan Government to strengthen security at Ajmer Durgah in view of yesterday's blast and recovery of a live bomb this morning from the shrine premises.

Meanwhile, Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta emphasised this point when he had a detailed telephonic discussion with the DGP of Rajasthan.

Mr Gupta stressed the need for strengthening security as the blasts happened yesterday despite a three tier security arrangement being in place and recovery of a live bomb from an unattended bag from Buland Darwaza at the Durgah this morning.

The DGP intimated that the State Government had held consultation with the Durgah Committee and others concerned in this regard in the past and further discussions would be held to see what arrangements were feasible to strengthen security. The DGP informed that a Special Investigation Team has been constituted to investigate the blast and would co-ordinate closely with other Central and State agencies.

UNI