Govt steps up vigil in states along Pak border

New Delhi, Dec 31: Government decided to step up vigil in states bordering Pakistan following inputs that militants from across the border may strike in India.

Home Minister P Chidambaram said there were inputs thatmilitants from across the border could be planning some actionin the country and they have identified some targets.

"This morning, we have taken a decision to increase levelof alertness in states bordering Pakistan and that obviouslyincludes Punjab," he said at a press conference when askedwhether there was any terror threat to coming polls in Punjab.

He said due to the "very strong continuing flowof information" the directive has been issued for alertness inbordering states, which include Jammu and Kashmir.

Chidambaram said with elections coming up in Punjab,government has to remain at a high level of alertness in thestate.

"What we gathered, we review every day... We alert thestates who are targets... Apart from the Jehadi groups, thereis BKI (Babar Khalsa International) and some other Khalistangroups. We did bust a BKI module a few days ago. So, we haveto remain in high alert in Punjab. We are working with thegovernment of Punjab and we will continue to remain highalert," he said.

Asked whether there was revival of Khalistan movement inPunjab, the Home Minister replied in negative.

"There is no revival. These are remnant elements from oldgroups. Many of them have fled the country, many of them havetaken refuge in foreign countries. These are remnant groups.There is no revival of Khalistan movement," he said.

PTI