Security at nuclear power facilities in India has been boosted following indications that the sites might face a terrorism threat, Reuters reported today (see GSN, Aug. 17).
New Delhi put its nuclear sites on alert following reports that a U.S. citizen, arrested Oct. 3 in the United States in an unrelated case, had visited Indian states with nuclear facilities, the Press Trust of India reported.
"The step is precautionary in nature," said an Indian Home Ministry official. "The states have been asked to increase the vigil and patrolling to thwart any sabotage attempt aimed at these vital facilities."
A high-level agency official told Reuters that certain states have been urged to increase security around "vital installations." No other details were provided.
David Headley was arrested over allegations that he had planned to attack a Danish newspaper that several years ago published controversial cartoons of the prophet Muhammad. U.S. authorities said Headley had visited Pakistan where he is reported to have spent time with the leader of Harakat-ul Jihad Islami. The group has been connected to al-Qaeda.
Headley is also believed to have been in touch with the extremist group Lashkar-e-Taiba, the organization linked to the November 2008 attacks in Mumbai, India.
Indian authorities hope to interview Headley regarding possible strikes on targets in their nation, Reuters reported (Majumdar/Chandran, Reuters, Nov. 16).