Delhi assembly on JeM radar, warns intelligence alert

An alert issued by intelligence agencies says Delhi’s legislative assembly could be the next target of the Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed

An alert issued by intelligence agencies says Delhi’s legislative assembly could be the next target of the Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

The assembly building is generally secured round-the-clock by 25 Delhi Police and 30 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel. (Hindustan Times)

The agencies have shared inputs with Delhi Police and asked them to review the existing security apparatus at the building and other important installations in the city, police sources said.

According to the alert, a top JeM commander, Awais Muhammad -- a native of Okara in Pakistan’s Punjab province -- has been given the responsibility of executing terror strikes in Delhi. It says Muhammad has flown to Malaysia on proper documents but he may arrive in India on fake papers.

The alert says important schools and colleges may be targeted.

Security arrangements are being reviewed after the alert. The assembly building is generally secured round-the-clock by 25 Delhi Police and 30 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel.

The special cell has been asked to monitor movements and activities of suspects and sleeper cell agents. The cell has asked the local police to activate members of the ‘eyes and ears’ scheme.

Though top Delhi Police officers refused to share any information, sources said Muhammad has direct links with JeM chief Maulana Masood Azhar and his younger brother Talha Saif.

Muhammad has been given the responsibility of setting up a module in north India by indoctrinating Muslim youths, sources said.

The module is different from the one busted recently by the special cell, said a police source.

“There is a possibility the module already exists and its members are ready to strike. Muhammad, who is in Malaysia, may arrive in India on a fake Malaysian passport,” said a police officer.

“We (Delhi Police) are fully prepared to foil terrorist attacks,” said Arvind Deep, special commissioner of police (special cell).