Obama India visit: Terrorists may avoid Delhi, target some other place

New Delhi, Jan 23: Security agencies apprehend that terrorists may target some part of the country during the visit of US President Barack Obama, avoiding Delhi, and have alerted state governments, particularly Jammu and Kashmir, about the "serious threat".

The agencies apprehend that the terrorists may carry out strikes like the Chittisinghpura massacre in Kashmir on the eve of the visit of the then US President Bill Clinton in 2000.

They have alerted state governments of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh besides Police and Intelligence apparatus of Mumbai and Jammu and Kashmir about the serious terror threat posed during the visit of Obama who is scheduled to start his three days visit from January 25, sources said.

During the India visit of Clinton in March 2000, Lashkar-e-Toiba terror outfit had targeted Chittisinghpura village in Kashmir, killing 36 people.

The intelligence agencies have warned of possibility of similar attack in some part of the country, they said. Unprecedented security arrangements have been put in place to ensure safe visit of Obama who will be the first US President to be the Chief Guest on Republic Day function with seven layer security cordon prepared for him.

The sources said, in addition to tight security in the national capital, Mumbai Police has also been asked to tighten security around sensitive spots in Mumbai including the Siddhivinayak temple, South Mumbai hot spots like Taj Palace Hotel, Gateway of India and other tourist location.

Similarly, the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jammu and Kashmir have been asked to be on high alert and ensure tight security at vulnerable areas. The governments have been asked to ensure security of tourist places, places of religious importance and other areas where large public gathering takes place like courts etc.

PTI