Mosque blast: UP on alert

Lucknow, May 18 (UNI) Following the blast at a Hyderabad mosque today, security has been beefed up at all important religious, historical and public places in Uttar Pradesh.

Talking to newspersons here this evening, secretary (home) R M Srivastava said the security agencies had been directed to maintain extra vigil, especially in Sikh dominated areas.

Mr Srivastava said in wake of widespread protests in Punjab and Haryana over Dera Sacha Sauda issue, security had been strengthened in the state, especially western UP, which has a large population of the Sikh community.

Security in Bagpat district has been stepped up to tackle any possible disturbance as there is a Dera Sacha Sauda Ashram in Binauli area and a large number number of pilgrims visit the place on Sundays.

UNI