Due to receipt of threatening e-mails before Diwali in Uttar Pradesh, vigilance regarding security arrangements has been increased. Messages sent in the name of Khalistan National Army have warned of bomb blasts at different places between 8 and 27 November. Apart from Ayodhya, Varanasi and Mathura, schools and temples have also been mentioned in the threat. After receiving e-mails from some schools of Ayodhya and Ambedkar Nagar, parents have been advised to be alert regarding the safety of their children. UP ATS (UP ATS) and cyber cell are busy identifying the senders of e-mails.
Threatening messages sent to schools
These e-mails received before Diwali have increased the concern of police and security agencies. A school run by ICSE board in Ayodhya has received a threatening message. At the same time, similar e-mails have been sent to two schools of Ambedkar Nagar. The messages have warned of blasts between 8th and 27th November. Also, citing the safety of children, parents have been advised not to send their children to school during this period. After the information about the e-mail came to light, vigilance regarding security arrangements has been increased in the concerned areas.
Provocative message referring to 1984 riots
The riots of 1984 have been mentioned in the threatening e-mail. In this, Sikh Naxalite action has also been mentioned using inflammatory language like ‘blood for blood’. The message has warned of blasts. However, using the name of an organization in the e-mail does not prove its actual involvement. The investigating agencies are ascertaining the authenticity of the message and the intention behind it.
Three major religious cities were targeted
The names of three major religious cities of Uttar Pradesh, Ayodhya, Varanasi and Mathura have been taken in the threatening message. In the e-mail, it has been said that schools, temples and other places of these cities will be targeted. In view of the warning of blasts between 8th and 27th November, the administration has become alert regarding the security of religious places and public places. In view of the crowding during festivals and religious events, emphasis is being laid on increasing surveillance.
UP ATS and Cyber Cell took over the investigation
Considering the seriousness of the threat, Ayodhya’s cyber cell has started technical investigation of the e-mail. UP ATS has also been involved in the investigation of the case. Investigative agencies are trying to find out the source of the e-mail, the identity of the sender and the network used to send the message.
Surveillance increased on temples and ghats in Varanasi
After the name of Varanasi comes up in the threat, extra vigilance is being taken regarding security arrangements in the city. Instructions have been given to increase surveillance on temples, ghats, markets and city borders. They have been asked to check the identity cards of people staying in hotels, lodges and dharamshalas. Apart from this, police activity has been increased in public places and crowded areas.
No confirmation of any explosion yet
At present the matter is related to receiving threatening e-mails and the subsequent tightening of security arrangements. There has been no confirmation of bomb being found or exploded in any school, temple or public place. Investigative agencies are busy ascertaining the credibility of the threat and the people active behind it. After these messages received before Diwali, the administration is alert regarding the security arrangements in Ayodhya, Kashi and Mathura. Now the main focus of the investigation is to identify the e-mail senders and assess the potential threat.