New Delhi, Mar 17: With intelligence inputs suggesting terror attacks at cricket World Cup venues, the government has asked all states hosting these matches to fortify security at the stadiums including Mumbai's Wankhede stadium.

The Centre has asked the police and security forces to establish multi-layered security ring like the one that was demonstrated during the Commonwealth Games here last year.

Inputs have suggested that terror groups like Al-Qaeda and Lashkar-e-Taiba are looking for opportunities to target the ongoing World Cup matches in the country.

A foreign intelligence agency has recently conveyed to India that some members of an operational cell of the terrorists could already be in the country, possibly entered through Nepal, and some more may add to their strength.

A handful of league matches will soon be followed by the quarterfinals and semi-finals in cities like Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Mohali and Mumbai in the forthcoming days. The final of the tournament will be played on Apr 2 at Mumbai's Wankhede stadium.

The Centre has asked the states to beef up security along the coastline, oil installations and other places in cities where these matches are scheduled to take place.

The security forces have also been asked to strictly follow and adhere to access control measures at the stadiums. The Indian Navy, Coast Guard, coastal police of the states and coastal villages have also been alerted.

PTI