Afghan terrorists sneaked in via UP-Nepal border, say Intel alerts; security tightened in Mathura

Mathura: On the basis of intelligence inputs that Afghan terrorists having entered through the Uttar Pradesh-Nepal border, security was on Friday heightened in Mathura as reports suggested that UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath could attend a grand Janmashtami celebration in the city.

In another terror alert today, reports suggested that six Lashkar-e-Toiba men have sneaked in Tamil Nadu via Sri Lanka.

According to a senior UP Police official, the district officials in Mathura, Ayodhya, and Varanasi have been asked to stay on alert.

In a bid to tighten security measures, 15 companies of paramilitary forces and platoons of Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) are being stationed in UP.

Inspector General (Law and Order), Praveen Kumar, said they have been instructed to keep vigil over temples with the help of security gadgets.

Cops have also been asked to remain pro-active in the places from where various religious processions will pass through as part of the Janmashtami celebrations.

On the occasion of Janamashtami, 'Shri Krishnotsav' is being organised in Mathura-Vrindavan from August 23 to 25.

UP CM Adityanath, BJP MP Hema Malini and state ministers will likely participate in the celebrations. Bhajan singer Anup Jalota will perform at the event on August 25. A team from Mumbai will organise a grand 'Dahi Handi' event.

Meanwhile, security has been tightened in Tamil Nadu in the wake of an intelligence alert that six LeT terrorists have entered the state. As per police, one Pakistani national and five from Sri Lanka comprise the group. 

Chennai Police Commissioner AK Viswanathan said all steps are being taken to avert any untoward incident.