Tamil Nadu among states alerted for possible terror attacks

Director General of Police T K Rajendran said that the communication has no specific alert to Tamil Nadu, but is common to all states. However, he added that he would be making all arrangements following a meeting with senior police officials soon.

According to a note from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, the Central security agencies have informed all States about terrorists planning a range of attacks against commercial aviation targets.

The recent terror plot that failed in Australia underscores the focus of such groups on devising innovative ways to attack aircraft and other transportation targets. It also warned that terrorists were planning chemical attacks by creating toxic gases from materials available from a hardware store.

Materials required for making toxic gases include chemical powders, pesticides, acids and water that could be disguised as medicines, beverages, household cleaners or gardening supplies.

The toxic gases pose a huge risk in closed spaces like aircraft, trains and buses. The Central intelligence agency has specifically asked all security agencies responsible for screening baggage to tighten security arrangements.