New Delhi: In view of the ongoing conflict in West Asia and its impact on energy supplies, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday warned that “certain elements” may try to exploit the situation to endanger India’s internal security. He, however, assured that security and law and order agencies were on high alert to detect and avoid such designs.Drawing the attention of the House of Commons to the internal security issue of the West Asian crisis, Modi told members that the country’s security in all areas – coastal, border, cyber and strategic installations – is being further enhanced.“Security is being enhanced in all aspects, whether it’s coastal security, border security, cyber security or strategic installations,” he said while briefing the House of Representatives on developments in West Asia.The Home Ministry last week advised all states and union territories to protect the LPG supply chain by enhancing security of relevant infrastructure and personnel, monitor LPG supplies on a daily basis and dispel rumors in real time to avoid any panic.Sources told TOI that all states/Union Territories are advised to take strict action against hoarding and black marketing of LPG/natural gas supplies and conduct awareness campaigns to allay fears and counter rumors of LPG shortage.Sources said states/Union Territories have been urged to closely monitor social media platforms and take prompt action to remove fake news and false narratives regarding the alleged shortage of LPG by spreading old or irrelevant material.Incidentally, the India Cyber Crime Coordination Center (I4C) recently uncovered a cyber scam in which scammers were sending fake “Gas Booking Update” APK files through WhatsApp. I4C warned that installing these files could hack into mobile phones and drain their bank accounts instantly, while instructing LPG subscribers to stick to official booking apps.
