Security intensified in Bangalore on 26/11 anniversary

BANGALORE - India’s tech hub Bangalore was under a thick security blanket Thursday to avert any untoward incident on the first anniversary of 26/11. That this city itself has seen terror attacks in the past is lost on no one.

Security measures were heightened across the city, especially at the airport, railway stations, bus stands and government offices. Public places like malls and multiplexes where people are seen in large numbers were also under the tight vigil of police personnel and private security guards.

“We’ve installed close circuit televisions and metal detectors in all main entrances of the mall. Our guards are frisking and checking all the entrants to the mall. We are on guard,” the owner of a popular mall told IANS.

A large number of IT companies dotting the city’s landscape have increased their private security measures manifold in the year following 26/11.

“We’re well-equipped to tackle a situation like 26/11,” Commissioner of Police Shankar M. Bidari told reporters here earlier Wednesday.

“A battalion of the commando force of the Indian Army has been stationed in Bangalore to help police in an emergency security scenario. Soon the city will have a special commando force with 200 personnel,” added Bidari.

As part of upgradation of logistics of the city police, the department in recent times has also procured sophisticated weapons, including AK-47 and Self-Loading Rifles (SLRS) in large numbers. Bulletproof jackets and helmets for police personnel have also been purchased.

IT bellwether Infosys Technologies Limited has recently included 101 personnel of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to man its campus at Electronic City here.

“CISF acts as an arms support to our already existing private security. The 101 CISF men give a 24X7 protection shield to our company and should help us thwart any possible terror attacks,” said T.V. Mohandas Pai, member of Infosys board.

In fact, Infosys in July became the first corporate organisation in India to get security cover by the state force. Others are also planning to follow suit, as IT companies are said to be high on the radar of terrorist organisations.

Ramola Krishnan, a bank employee, said: “The government should take all precaution to thwart any kind of terrorist attacks. I hope citizens across the country are safe. I pray that the wounds of the families of 26/11 victims will heal quickly.”

Bangalore faced its first major terror strike when the sprawling, leafy Indian Institute of Science (IISc) was attacked in December 2005 during an international conference. A visiting academic from Delhi was killed in the indiscriminate firing and four were injured.

In the second attack in July 2008, a series of eight low intensity explosions hit the city, killing one woman and injuring 15.