Security stepped up in state

New Delhi, Apr 15: The Uttar Pradesh government has beefed up security arrangements throughout the state with strict vigil in Varanasi, Ayodhya, Kanpur, Lucknow and other sensitive places in view of the twin blasts at Delhi's historic Jama Masjid this evening.

State Chief Secretary (Home) Satish Kumar Agarwal and DGP Bua Singh have directed the officials of Varanasi, Ayodhya, Kanpur, Lucknow, Agra, Aligarh and other important religious places to step up security arrangements.

Security arrangements in the Ram Janmabhoomi Complex have also been increased.

A report from Varanasi said red alert has been sounded in the temple town. Additional police forces have been deployed in various religious places there and government has appealed the people to remain calm.

Red alert has also been sounded in Kanpur.

Meanwhile, special security arrangements have been made for the trains passing through the state and strict vigil has been orderd in the railway stations, senior Railway officials said.

UNI