Alert in Capital following blasts in Karachi; security upgraded

New Delhi, Mar 2: Already pushed to the seams, security in the Capital has been further tightened following the twin blasts in Karachi this morning (Mar 2, 2006) and intelligence agencies put on 'heightened alert' even as President George Bush's itinerary goes about with text book precision.

In view of the blasts, security arrangemnts in Delhi have been upgraded, Police Commissioner K K Paul told sources.

"Though already on alert, we have upgraded the arrangements in the Capital." Meanwhile, immediately after the Karachi blasts, intelligence agencies went into an huddle over the 'next step' or the 'next level' of 'vigilance cover' which has already been provided to the visiting dignitary.

Following the meet, intelligence agencies 'pumped in' additional forces on the 'network' front, according to sources.

A senior official said the blasts in neighbouring Pakistan had added to the already tense situation among security agencies, which have been asked to be extra vigilant to avoid any 'slips'.

Area Deputy Commissioners of Police have been personally asked to supervise operations until told to 'ease'.

Vehicle scanning, which were being avoided to ease vehicle flow due to traffic restrictions, were once again activated at several important junctions.

"We are taking no chances and the exercise would continue till the high profile guest remains here," said a senior police official.

UNI