LeT’s plan to black out India, six states warned of strikes against power grids and hydro-electric projects

LeT planned to black out India?
19 Feb 2009, Times Now

NEW DELHI: In times of terror comes the revelation that the Intelligence agencies had warned at least six state governments of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) strikes against power grids and hydro-electric projects across the country.

TIMES NOW has acquired an exclusive copy of a letter sent by the Intelligence Bureau (IB), which states that the LeT may strike grid stations across the country and that the outfit had recently collected information regarding the stations.

The letter is different from the routine warnings sent out by the IB, as it highlights the following:

1) The letter has been marked secret

2) It has been sent to the chief secretaries /home secretaries, DGPs and other top police officials

3) It was sent four days after the November 26, 2008 Mumbai terror attacks

4) The letter has warned states that the LeT had collected information regarding grid stations in the country and are planning attacks

Sources have told TIMES NOW that the IB has more evidence on the LeT’s plan of action and their research work on our country’s hydroelectric power projects.

The document also cautions the state governments to take necessary steps to thwart any such attempts. But what is causing serious concern is the fact that many states have dismissed this letter as a mere routine warning leaving these vital installations vulnerable.

PS Prashanth, Kerala state secretary, electricity employees confederation said, “After the Mumbai attacks, we know that our grid stations are also highly vulnerable. At present the security arrangements are not up to the mark. We need more security only then will we be able to safeguard our hydroelectric projects.”

Kerala alone has 29 hydroelectric power projects. For instance, if Moolamattom station in the state’s Idukki district is striked, 4 major districts of Kerala will submerge in water. There are many more hydroelectric projects that may cause serious destruction if attacked, and in this scenario, the low security in the grid stations is a major cause for concern.