Govt continues to receive threat inputs to religious places

The government today said that in view of the prevailing security scenario, threat inputs to places of worship in the country continue to be received.

Replying to a written question in Lok Sabha, minister of state for home Mullappally Ramachandran said the security arrangements for places of religious importance are being provided by the concerned state government and Union Territory administration as law and order essentially a state subject.

The reply came when asked whether the government has received any inputs regarding terrorist threat to places of worship including temples, mosques and churches.

"However, the threat inputs being received are being promptly shared with the concerned state government and UT administration and advisories being issued by the Central government in order to avoid any untoward incident," he said.

In reply to another question, the minister said the atomic power plants continue to remain prime target of the terrorist groups and outfits.

"Central security agencies conduct security audit of atomic power plants every two years and also sensitise the concerned state government/ managements of these installations from time to time," he said.

Ramachandran said the CISF has been mandated to undertake security arrangements for all strategically sensitive nuclear installations. Besides CISF, in some cases air defence measures are also additionally provided in cooperation with the defence forces.

"Adequate security arrangements are ensured which are periodically updated to protect Atomic Energy Establishments in the country," he said.

The government said that there are no specific inputs signifying joining of hands of various terrorist groups to foment violence in the country.

However, inputs indicate that the ISI is providing tactical support to anti-India terrorist groups operating from Pakistan. Further, many underground outfits operating in North Eastern states are having linkages with each other, it said.