In the wake of an alert issued by the Army regarding a possible terror attack in south India, Kerala state DGP Loknath Behera on Monday ordered all the district police chiefs to maintain high vigil.

The vigil was put in place after Southern Army Command chief Lt Gen SK Saini informed that they had recovered some abandoned boats from Sir Creek area in the state of Gujarat. “We're taking precautions to ensure that designs of inimical elements & terrorists are stalled,” he said. 

According to a report by the Times of India (ToI), although the state is yet to receive any formal communication from the Centre regarding a possible terror attack, DGP Loknath Behera has asked all the district police chiefs to maintain vigil at railway stations, bus stands and airports in the state. Taking into consideration that Kerala is also preparing to celebrate the festival of Onam, the DGP informed that special security arrangements will be put in place at the major festival venues. Sniffer dogs have also been pressed into service to monitor these areas.

In addition to the steps taken by the police, Loknath Behera has also requested the public to inform the police if they come across anything or anyone suspicious in their surroundings. Public can contact the police by dialling 112 or by contacting the state police chief’s control room on 0471-2722500. 

Police have also sought the help of various organisations in the coastal areas to inform them of any suspicious movements near the coast. 

According to a report by The New Indian Express (TNIE), sources claimed that around 50 Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists are being trained to execute terror attacks in south India and that they could target the Indian naval bases and naval ships.