Security beefed-up in Mumbai ahead of Clinton's visit

Mumbai, July 17 (ANI): Mumbai witnessed tightened security measures today, following intelligence agencies warning about possible militant strikes in at least seven places in the country.

The beefed up security arrangements are also being attributed to the fact that US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton will begin her five-day visit to India by landing in Mumbai today around 10 pm and spending a day in the city.

Security forces were keeping vigil outside the Taj Mahal Hotel where Hillary Clinton has decided to stay.

Meanwhile, Naseem Khan, Home Minister of Maharashtra said that the state police personnel have been placed on alert and also the round-the-clock vigil is being maintained at several spots.

"Hillary Clinton is now going to stay in Hotel Taj where terror attacks took place last year. This means that the security system in Mumbai has been improved. This is a message which shows that the state-centre have done their jobs to give fool-proof security, be it on the marine front or in the city areas," said Naseem Khan, Home Minister of Maharashtra, Mumbai.

Appreciating these steps, local residents of Mumbai believe that it is the duty of the security forces to make sure that no untoward incident happens in the city even after Hilary's visit.

"We want to say that Indian government should give full security as she (Hillary Clinton) is our guest. It is our responsibility to make sure her visit is safe here and no security lapse takes place until she departs from Mumbai," noted Vikram Kumar, a local resident. (ANI)