Intel Advisory Sends Hills Into a Tizzy

Wepen, May 15, 2019: Darjeeling went into a tizzy with an  intelligence alert document doing the rounds on internet of  suicide bomb attack on monasteries on the day of Buddha Purnima in West Bengal. The Buddha Purnima is to be commemorated on May 18.

With the recent attacks in churches and hotels in Sri Lanka during Easters that left more than 250 people dead and over 500 injured, India too has been keeping a close watch on the situation.

On May 10th the Islamic State claimed for the first time that it has established a province in India. Intelligence and security agencies are not willing to buy further claiming that the last militant with ISIS links was gunned down recently in the Kashmir Valley.

However, not willing to take a chance the intelligence agencies and security forces have been alerted for Buddha Purnima commemorations. There is an intelligence advisory from Delhi against a female suicide bomber targeting monasteries in West Bengal.

Darjeeling and neighbouring Kalimpong districts have the highest number of monasteries in the State with a large Buddhist population. There are around 12 prominent monasteries in the Hills of different sects. Every year colourful rallies are taken out throughout the Hills. Along with the Buddhist population the non-Buddhists also take part in the celebrations in the Hills.

“We have received a general intelligence alert from Delhi. However it is not specific. It is not a classified alert. Before major religious celebrations such alerts are common. There is no need to panic. Everything is safe. Adequate arrangements will be made as per requirement. Everyone can take part in the religious activities like previous years” stated Dhrubajyoti De, Superintendent of Police, Kalimpong.

The Authorities in Darjeeling too have stated that there is no need to panic. “There will be adequate security arrangement at monasteries and processions. Prior to that area domination will also be conducted” stated Amarnath K, SP, Darjeeling.

Owing to Assembly By-polls is Darjeeling on May 19 there will be heavy police and CAPF presence in the Hills at that time.

(Source & Courtesy: http://www.wepen.in/intel-advisory-sends-hills-into-a-tizzy/)