A huge security alert has been sounded in Gujarat after receiving intelligence inputs of “Pakistani commandos likely to infiltrate into the Indian territory through Kutchh area, through sea route to carry out terrorist attacks in Gujarat”.
The BSF and the Indian Coast Guard along with other security agencies have been put on high alert after inputs suggest that Pakistan-trained commandoes trained in underwater attacks or terrorists may try to enter the Gulf of Kutch and the Sir Creek area using small boats.
The state authorities have been directed to maintain tight security, including on ships berthed at Kandla port in the wake of threat reports.
The Port Trust authorities, in a message, said the Pak-trained commandoes are believed to have entered the Gulf of Kutch through the Harami Nala Creek Area.
An enhanced vigil and patrolling in the area is underway.
The message said: “It is therefore directed to take utmost measures of security and prevent any untoward situation in Gujarat state, all ships at DPT (Deendayal Port Trust) to take utmost security measures and maintain anti-terror watch, and be alert.”
Signed by the Signal Superintendent of Deendayal Port Trust, formerly known as Kandla Port Trust, in Kutch, the message also directed all shipping authorities to inform their vessels berthed at Kandla and those expected to enter the port to remain alert and “maintain terror watch” and report any suspicious activity to the nearest coast guard station, marine police station and the port control.
It directed the Kandla Port Steamship Agents Association (KPSAA) to forward the message to all, including trade associations with liquid storage facilities, the Customs House Agents Association, the stevedors, barge operators and others.
It also directed Netherlands-based Van Oord, which has a contract to maintain Kandla port, to alert all dredgers and support craft in the channel and “maintain sharp watch and report any suspicious activity” to the port control.
Adani Ports and Logistics has issued a security advisory to shipping agents in Mundra where it has informed them about the alert. “It is advised that all ships at Mundra port take utmost security measures and maintain a vigilant watch,” reads the advisory.
According to the security advisory, Mundra port is maintaining security-level alert 1. It has also enhanced security measures on the shore.
The development in the region comes in the wake of heightened tension between India and Pakistan after the abrogation of Article 370, that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
Pakistan has been upping the ante against India over the Kashmir issue.
India has also upped its security in the wake of warmongering statements being made by Pakistani leaders over Kashmir.
Earlier, a Pakistani minister had reportedly predicted a “full-blown war between Pakistan and India likely to occur in the month of October or November”.
The Pakistani media quoted Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed as saying that “a full-blown war between Pakistan and India is likely to occur in October or the following month.”
According to reports, Ahmed, while addressing a ceremony in Rawalpindi, said that the war with India will be the “last this time”.
On Tuesday, Pakistan’s Science and Technology Minister Fawad Khan had said that the country was considering closing its airspace for traffic from India.
On August 14, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had termed India’s move to revoke special status to Jammu and Kashmir a “strategic blunder” and said that the move will cost New Delhi “heavily”.
A day after the Indian government abrogated Article 370, Khan had warned of “Pulwama-like incidents to happen again”.