Asia ReView

BY PRAMOD KUMAR

NEW DELHI

Dec. 2: The Central intelligence agencies are now concentrating on terrorist (involved in Mumbai terror attack) links with other terrorist outfits like Indian Mujahideen and Hizbul Mujahideen. Besi-des, the Central intellig-ence agencies have instru-cted all concerned states to increase vigil along the Ganga river, especially in Varanasi.

"Officials, who are interrogating the arrested terrorist are also examining whether the group has any connection with other terrorist organisations like Indian Mujahideen and Hizbul Mujahideen. It will also help in tracing their source of funding," said a senior intelligence official. Meanwhile, intelligence agencies have asked Uttar Pradesh government to increase security cover at different ghats of the Ganga river in Varanasi and other parts of the state.

State government has been asked to ensure that proper frisking of all those who visit different Ganga ghats in Varanasi is done. There are more than 100 Ganga ghats in Varanasi.

"The Ganga is a major river of the Indian subcontinent rising in the Himalaya Mountains and flowing about 2,510 km (generally eastward thro-ugh a vast plain to the Bay of Bengal). A large number of visitors, inclu-ding foreigners, come through river route from Kolkata to Varanasi. It becomes important to check this route properly. We have asked state government to increase patr-olling in the river as also in Varanasi," the official said. A meeting to review the security cover of Ganga ghats in Varanasi was called by senior officials of the district administration after the Mumbai terror attacks.

District administration has been asked to engage two boats for 24 hours patrolling in the river in Varanasi. Besides, all hotel, including hotel Taj in Varanasi, have been instructed to install CCTVs and other high-tech equipment for frisking of the visitors, said the official.