by reciprocal arrangement with Star of Mysore

• 20 terrorists hiding in city * IB alerts CM * CM holds high-level meeting of officers

Bangalore, May 14: Mysore, acclaimed as the cultural capital of the State and also as pensioners' paradise continues to be a haven for terrorists.

This startling revelation came from the officials of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Govt. of India, when they met the Chief Minister here yesterday.

Reliable sources say that the IB officials apprised the Chief Minister about the terrorist activities in Mysore. A secret meeting took place involving the Chief Minister, senior officers of the Government and IB officials.

The team of IB officials, who arrived from Delhi yesterday morning, headed to the Chief Minister's office and obtained information about the steps taken by the Government to tackle terrorism in the State.

They sought co-operation of the State Government for all the decisions to be taken by the Central Government to curb terrorism. The officials reportedly wanted the local Police to give top priority to anti-terrorism operations, according to sources.

Enable Police

The team suggested to deploy specialist officers for the operations. The State Police too should be equipped with latest arms to enable them to combat terrorism effectively.

A proper guidance and training should also be provided to them. The team even offered suggestions to prevent the terrorists from spreading their activities and to see that they leave Mysore, said sources.

Scan investors

From the point of view of safety and security of the State and the nation, a close vigil should be kept on people coming to the State on the pretext of investing. The team also obtained information regarding the steps taken by the Government to monitor the financial dealings of private investors, sources said.

Over 20 terrorists

It may be recalled that security was beefed up for Mysore Palace, KRS dam and IT/BT Companies in Mysore in the wake of terrorist threat. Two terrorists Fahad and Ali Hussein were nabbed in Mysore in a sensational overnight operation last year and a possible disaster was prevented.

The IB officials reportedly disclosed a shocking information to the Chief Minister that over 20 terrorists were hiding in Mysore alone, say sources.

Security beefed up

After discussing with the IB officials, the Chief Minister is believed to have briefed the Police top brass and instructed them to beef up security throughout the State, especially at Mysore Palace, KRS, IT/BT Companies and all reservoirs.