BSF on high alert along Wagah border

BSF has sounded a high alert along the Wagah border after heavily armed gunmen today stormed a police academy in Lahore, 12 km from the Indian border, killing at least 22 policemen, including 11 officers.

"An alert has been issued along the Indo-Pakistan border especially along Wagah. The troops have been asked to keep a strict vigil and remain on high alert for any possible attempts of intrusion and other suspect activities," a senior BSF officer here said.

The alert has been issued under the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) followed by BSF whenever there is an activity on the other side of the border, the officer said.

The BSF has also asked officers at the Western frontier to report any suspected incident to the headquarters in the national capital immediately, the officer said.

However, the historical and ceremonial flag lowering and change of guard at Wagah will not be affected and will take place as usual in the evening, the officer added.

At least five blasts were heard at the training centre at Manawan in Lahore, located a few kilometre from the Wagah border around 0700 hours today.

Around 14 suspected terrorists are believed to be inside the police training academy, reports said. TV channels also aired footage of a bearded man in his twenties who was nabbed while he was reportedly trying to approach two helicopters being used by security forces for surveillance.