Northern states put on high alert: Sources

New Delhi: High alert has been sounded in northern states after a top Khalistani terrorist, along with five others, escaped from a Punjab jail, arousing suspicion that the militant might have pre-decided his hideouts.

Sources said the Central security agencies have told the governments of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh and the Delhi police to remain on high alert as chief of Khalistan Liberation Front Harminder Mintoo could be hiding in their territory to escape from Punjab police dragnet.

Sources said Mintoo is unlikely to escape to Pakistan as there has been heightened security along the border in the last few months due to tension between India and Pakistan and continuing cross-border firing along International Border and Line of Control.

Union home minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday also spoke to Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal about the Nabha jailbreak and sought a detailed report from the state government.

According to sources, the home minister, who was in Hyderabad, also asked the chief minister to take urgent steps to tighten security in all jails in Punjab. During the 15-minute telephonic conversation, Mr Badal briefed Mr Singh about the incident and steps taken to nab the culprits.