India says nuclear plants a target for militants

NEW DELHI - India has stepped up security at its nuclear installations fearing an attack by a Pakistan-based militant group, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), the defence minister told parliament yesterday.

Pranab Mukherjee said a series of "special security measures" had been taken and more were under consideration as officials took the possibility of an attack "very seriously".

"The information that is available with the security agencies is that LeT modules are planning on carrying out some strikes against critical infrastructure items, military targets and religious places," the minister said.

"Regarding items of critical infrastructure, reports indicate a possibility of nuclear installations being considered," he said. India has 15 operating nuclear power plants.

Lashkar has long been active in Indian Kashmir, where more than 45,000 people have been killed in an anti-India insurgency since 1989. But the group has also been blamed for attacks in other parts of India.

Security agencies say the recent Mumbai bombings, where 186 people were killed in a series of blasts on commuter trains and platforms, were carried out by local Muslims who may have had links with Lashkar.

Lashkar has denied a role in the blasts.

Mukherjee said the group was becoming more active and was being "continuously and carefully monitored".

- REUTERS