Andhra steps up surveillance on fundamental outfits

There had been seven incidents of bomb explosions at public places including two cinema theatres, a hotel, a nursing home and in the vicinity of Nampally railway station in the city since last month. However, there were no casualties in the incidents. Meanwhile, surveillance had been stepped up on the activities of fundamentalist organisations like Indian Muslim Mohammadi Mujahideen, Harkat-ul-Ansar, Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, Laskar-e-Toiba, SIMI (Students Islamic Movement in India) and DJS (Darsgha Jehad Woho Shahadath), Naidu said. The CM also announced constitution of special operations cell in the state capital and Special Action Force (SAF) to deal with such subversive activities.

Naidu said the modus operandi and materials used in some of the bomb blast cases were similar and appear to be interconnected and added that they might be part of a grand design to create disturbances in the country. "We are examining all clues thoroughly and keeping a close watch on communal organisations and criminal elements. We will take stringent measures to stamp out extremism of any kind," the CM said. Asked whether the incidents were deliberately aimed at creating trouble in view of US President Bill Clinton’s likely visit to the city, Naidu said, "We cannot rule it out. There can be elements who want to derail the developmental process in the city".

Meanwhile, the State Government has offered a reward of Rs five lakh for any information leading to arrest of the persons involved in the incidents. The SAF, comprising 15 vehicles fitted with GPS (Global Positioning System), would be deployed at strategic locations in the twin cities. These vehicles would rush to the spot in case of any such disturbance and also check the entry and exit points within minutes of any untoward incident breaking out, Naidu said.