Mumbai attacks have brought the issue of security into focus. A brief period of hyperactivity had followed the July 25 serial blasts that had killed one person but the security situation in the region had largely remained unchanged.

Security at hotels and public places like malls, shopping arcades and hospitals has now been increased following a review issued by the state intelligence and city police commissioner Shankar Bidari. The entry of vehicles at five star hotels and hospitals is now preceded by security checks. Hospitals have now started restricting visitors calling on patients.

Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa and senior police officials recently held meetings with the management of hotels, international airport and industry representatives to assess the security situation.

IT hubs like the Electronic City, the International Technology Park and companies like Infosys and Wipro have announced increased surveillance for their campuses. “In view of the attacks in Mumbai, we have increased security across all our campuses in India and will remain fully alert,” Infosys said in an official statement. Nasscom in a statement following the attacks said member companies of the software establishment association must “continue to ensure that their customers are not affected.”

With foreigners being targeted in the Mumbai attack those living in Bangalore have expressed apprehensions about their safety. “Back home, India is considered relatively safe compared to Pakistan. Attacks like these will have an affect on people’s perception,” Christopher Bryan, an American medical intern working here, said.

Mumbai attacks have also jolted the police establishment out of slumber. A blueprint for an anti-terrorism unit modeled on similar cells in Mumbai and New Delhi created soon after the July 25 blasts has been brought out again. Home Minister V S Acharya has stated that the special team will soon be expanded to include more personnel. At present, the team has an ADGP, an IGP and an SP.