Amid the terror threat looming over the 69th Independence Day celebrations, a former Defence Secretary has raised fears that a 26/11 style attack can happen again, blaming the Indian Coast Guard for being unprepared.
Former Defence Secretary RK Mathur was quoted saying that the Coast Guard is still a long way from ensuring complete security. He further pointed at the possibility of boats entering Indian waters undetected.
This comes after security agencies have already warned against 26/11-style influx of terrorists from the sea ahead of Independence Day, asking forces to remain alert to thwart any such attempt.
The Home Ministry has also cautioned that the terrorists might use the air route to strike using para gliders to attack and has asked the security forces to remain vigilant against any such attempt to sabotage, especially targeting high risk dignitaries.
The advisory said that recent terror attack in Gurdaspur, several terror incidents in the past, including serial blasts in Patna in 2013 targeting election rally of Narendra Modi, the now Prime Minister, indicated that threat emanates from Pakistan-based terrorist groups and their Indian affiliates like the Indian Mujahideen and members of ex-SIMI to possible targets like Lotus Temple, Malls in Noida, Metro Stations, Red Fort and Political Personalities.
In a communication to all the forces and state police, the Ministry has cited an April 16 input suggesting that Al Qaeda in the Indian Sub-Continent (AQIS) was actively engaged in planning attack against India at Indian Naval facilities and other unsecured waterfronts as potential target.
"In this regard the Southern Naval Command in Kochi (INS Venduruthy), Western Naval Command in Mumbai and the Naval base in Karwar (INS Kadamba) could be targeted," it said adding that Gujarat may also be targeted.
(With PTI Inputs)
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