Red alert in Kerala in the wake of terror threat

Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 27 (UNI) A red alert has been sounded in Kerala and security had been beefed up in the wake of a threat that the State will be the next target of terrorist elements after Bangalore and Ahmedabad.

''A red alert had been sounded and the entire Police force has been mobilised,'' Director General of Police Raman Srivastava told UNI.

He said every aspect had been discussed threadbare and the police were keeping a close watch at all public places, especially railway and bus stations, IT parks, and even places of worship. There was no need to panic, he added.

About the threat, Mr Srivastatava said that it was known that a media reporter in Karnataka had received the call. ''All aspects are being looked into,'' he added.

State Home Ministry sources said the Home minister had called for a top level meeting tomorrow to discuss the situation.

They also said the Central Intelligence agency had been alerted about the terror threat.

A report from Kochi said a meeting chaired by Central Zone IG Vinson M Paul has put police on alert and forces have been deployed at key places in and around the city, Major business areas, IT parks and airport were under the constant surveillance of the police. The Police have also given instructions to the private telecom operators to monitor suspicious phone calls.

Besides, police with the help of dog squad were checking the bus stands and Railway stations in the city.

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