India alerted to LeT threat to Jews

PUNE, India, Oct. 21 (UPI) -- Police in the western India city of Pune ramped up security around Jewish religious centers on fears of an attack by the Pakistani-based Lashkar-e-Toiba.

Satya Pal Singh, the police commissioner in Pune, said police have placed tight security at the Ohel David Synagogue on the recommendation of intelligence officials, the Times of India reports.

"There are reasons for providing security," he said without elaborating.

Intelligence officials have issued similar warnings to other Jewish centers in parts of the country.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is said to have "credible information" to suggest that LeT militants were preparing for fresh attacks in India, pointing to a growing number of insurgents trying to cross the volatile border with Pakistan.

Rebels tied to LeT seized several high-profile buildings in Mumbai in November 2008, killing at least 188 people.

Hakeemullah Mehsud, the top commander in the Pakistani Taliban, told Sky News last week his operations could expand into neighboring India.

"We want an Islamic state," he said. "If we get that (in Pakistan), then we will go to the borders and help fight the Indians."