BANGALORE: After the Union Home Ministry sounded an alert about the plans of terrorists to carry out attacks in the State, the Government has decided to step up security at key installations and public buildings in Bangalore, including the Vidhana Soudha.

The Chief Minister, N. Dharam Singh, who chaired a meeting of police officers and leaders of political parties here on Wednesday, said Central intelligence agencies have tipped off the State authorities that militants are likely to target some installations, such as the Vidhana Soudha, Vikas Soudha and centres of political and economic activity. The Police Commissioner of Bangalore, Ajay Kumar Singh, made a presentation on security measures to be initiated in the city, he said.

Security was discussed in both Houses of the Legislature last week.

On July 13, Mr. Dharam Singh told the Legislative Assembly that prominent installations, reservoirs and major places of worship of all faiths were being guarded to prevent terrorist attacks similar to the one on the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.Earlier, in the presentation on security issues, Mr. Ajai Kumar Singh stressed the need for tightening security at the Vidhana Soudha and the Vikasa Soudha.

Police officers suggested to the Government to adopt for the Vidhana Soudha the security model in force at Parliament House in New Delhi and install a watchtower at the secretariat. A few legislators from the Opposition parties, who objected to the proposal to tighten security at the Vidhana Soudha, said the police will harass visitors in the name of security. According to the police, the sources of threat are terrorists, radicals, disturbed individuals and hostile demonstrators.

The police have also recommended a tight security cover for the Raj Bhavan, High Court, Legislators' Home and Multi-storeyed Building in the city. The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Krishna; the Chairman of the Legislative Council, V.R. Sudarshan; H.K. Patil and M.P. Prakash, Ministers; and the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, B.S. Yediyurappa, attended the meeting.

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