Hyderabad no hub for terrorist activities: Minister

Hyderabad, Nov 27 (UNI) Exhorting the people to rise as one nation and stand by the Union and State Governments in putting up a brave fight against the menace of terrorism, Andhra Pradesh Home Minister K Jana Reddy today maintained that ''Hyderabad is no hub for terrorist activities.'' ''The terrorist strikes have not only inter-state ramifications but also international links and this has been observed by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair,'' he told a press conference here after reviewing the security measures taken up in the wake of the Mumbai terror strikes, with senior police officials.

''There is nothing like Hyderabadi link to blasts. There is only inter-state and international links to terrorist activities aimed at destabilising democratic India,'' he opined.

The Deccan Mujahideens, claiming responsiblity for the blasts, was hitherto unheard of. Neither the State intelligence agencies nor the Central intelligence agencies have come across the so called terrorist outfit, he clarified.

He said the State police had provided vital clues to other states, including Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Rajasthan and Delhi, leading to the arrest of terrorists. On the other hand, the state police had received tip off from Kerala police, leading to the arrest of a terrorist hailing from that state.

The situation required combined and coordinated efforts by states and the Centre to stamp out terrorism, he added.

On reports that more than 300 terrorists were provided training in Hyderabad, he said investigation was on to ascertain the veracity of the reports.

The State Government would further strengthen the marine police stations, taking expert opinions to guard the vast coastline, he said.

As many as 100 mobile units were patrolling the city where 40 police pickets were posted in sensitive areas. Check posts were set up at 35 places to thoroughly check the entrants into the city.

He urged the public to pass on any information to the police about suspicious objects or suspicious-looking persons.

Security has been tightened in the commercial cities of Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam, and also pilgrim centres, including Tirumala and tourists spots frequented by large number of tourists, including foreigners, he said.

Security has been stepped in various places, including airport, railway and bus terminals, shopping malls, cinema halls and crowded market places, he added.

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