Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar police have stepped up security. (Representational image)

Amritsar blast: UP govt issues alert, security tightened at religious places A state-wide ‘high alert’ was issued by the Uttar Pradesh government Sunday, hours after the grenade attack in Amritsar, Punjab, that claimed three lives. Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar police have stepped up security. A statement released by the state DGP Om Prakash Singh’s office directed ADG (law and order) Anand Kumar review security at all major religious places.

“Keeping in mind the recent incident in Punjab, DGP has instructed ADG law and order to heighten the security of all the important religious places and keep an eye on them. He has also asked the ADG for proper checking (of people and vehicles) on inter-state borders, mainly western Uttar Pradesh and ensure that no untoward incident takes place…,” the statement said.

Superintendent of Police (Ghaziabad) Shlok Kumar said, “Around 200 police personnel have been deployed at various points of the city to perform checking. We have identified religious places and busy spots like markets, malls for the same. Checking of vehicles is also taking place on a large scale.”

The alert is expected to last 48 hours, said police officials. Suspicious vehicles or unattended objects are being apprehended as part of the inspection exercise. Senior officials including the SP (City) have been ordered to personally overlook the operations.

Senior Superintendent of Police (Gautam Buddha Nagar) Dr Ajay Pal Sharma said, “We have set up checkpoints at state borders to check vehicles coming into the district. Police forces of more than five stations are part of the exercise. Sensitive installations including the ashram are being monitored…More exercises are expected to take place till the time the alert is called off.”

INPUTS FROM ENS, LUCKNOW