Rumours may be new terror tool in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow: Terror outfits planning a strike in Uttar Pradesh during the ongoing festive season and political events may have some connection this time.

According to Intelligence agencies, there is information that instead of using explosives, terror groups may resort to rumour-mongering in crowded places and trigger stampedes like the one that took place last week in Varanasi.

“We have definite information that this could be the latest modus operandi of terror outfits. In Varanasi, eye witnesses claim that a rumour of the bridge cracking up led to the stampede. This kind of rumours trigger panic in crowded areas and many lives are lost without even firing a bullet,” said a senior official in an Intelligence unit.

Intelligence agencies are now sharing the information with the policing agencies and efforts are being made to ensure crowd management in political meetings, weekly markets and local fairs that attract huge crowds.

“Diwali markets, Chhat Puja, Dev Deepawali in Varanasi and the ongoing Dewa fair are events where people come in thousands and even slightest provocation can lead to an ugly situation”, the official said.

Police officials have suggested barricading and separate entry and exit points but making people follow the rules strictly is a Herculean task, especially during the festival season.

Intelligence sources said that according to their information, some of the rumours that could be used to trigger a stampede have been identified.

“Spread of false information of a terror attack in another part of the city, caving in of steps on the ghats, sudden rise in water level, major fire caused by explosion or a bomb attack on a monument could create panic movement among the public,” the official said.

He further said that the local police had been asked to set up public address system in all such crowded places and keep a close eye on public movement. In the event of any panic movement, the public address system should be used to convince the people that all is well.

Another input received by Intelligence agency is that terrorists could cut off fuel pipes of vehicles parked in parking lot, thereby allowing fuel to flow out freely. Even a small lighted matchstick can then trigger a major explosion in the area.