Punjab on alert; Checks for cross-border buses

Chandigarh, Feb 19: A red alert has been sounded in Punjab following the blasts on Delhi-Attari train near Panipat in Haryana, and stringent security check-ups are planned for the Lahore-Amritsar bus which arrives tomorrow, a senior police official said.

Different security agencies, including Punjab Police, Railway Protection Force and other para-military forces have been asked to remain on maximum alert, ADGP (Intelligence) J P Virdi told sources.

Security in the Delhi-Lahore and Amritsar-Lahore buses will also be tightened and security personnel onboard various trains and at railways stations across Punjab have been asked to be vigilant about any suspicious object and persons as further terrorist attacks cannot be ruled out.

Stringent security checks of the trains coming from Jammu has been ordered and patrolling on railway lines in sensitive sections like Pathankot, Jammu, Udhampur, have also been intensified.

Meanwhile, Amritsar bound 2029UP Shatabdi Express, 2497UP Shane-e-Punjab and 1077 UP Jhelum Express were running behind the schdedule due to the blasts in Attari special train in which at least 66 people were killed, some of whom were Pakistani nationals.

The train runs non-stop from Delhi to Attari where the passengers are shifted to the Samjhauta Express, which goes to Lahore after strict customs and immigration clearances.

UNI