Chandigarh, 04 June (H.S.): Security agencies in Punjab

have been put on high alert just days ahead of the 42nd anniversary of

Operation Bluestar. Police and intelligence agencies have tightened security

after bomb threat emails were received by five major temples in the state,

including the Durgiana Temple in Amritsar.

Apart from Durgiana Temple, threat emails were also

received by Mukteshwar Dham Temple in Pathankot, Devi Talab Mandir in

Jalandhar, Maisar Khana Temple in Bathinda and Mata Kali Devi Temple in

Patiala. Following the threats, security has been increased at religious places

and other sensitive locations.

Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar

confirmed the threats and said the emails appeared similar to earlier hoax

threats sent to educational institutions, the Punjab Civil Secretariat, the

Punjab and Haryana High Court and other key establishments. However, he said

the police are treating the matter with utmost seriousness.

He said security agencies are not taking any chances.

Comprehensive security arrangements have been made at all locations and every

threat input is being thoroughly investigated.

Security in Punjab had already been tightened in view of

the Operation Bluestar anniversary on June 6. To strengthen security across the

region, 11 companies of Central Armed Police Forces have been deployed. These

include personnel from the Border Security Force, Rapid Action Force and

Indo-Tibetan Border Police.

According to a police official, security has been intensified at religious

places, bus stands, railway stations and other sensitive installations across

Punjab. Checking operations are being carried out at several places and

round the clock surveillance is underway.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH