MUMBAI: Two foreign militants have sneaked into Mumbai ahead of festivities with an intention to carry out a strike in the commercial capital of India. However, security has been beefed up manifold – and tight vigil is being maintained throughout Maharashtra.

On Saturday, the 10-day-long Ganpati festival would commence on the occasion of Ganesh Chathurthi even as Eid-ul-Fitr would be celebrated on completion of holy month of Ramzan. On Sunday, the annual Mount Mary fair would commence.

“We have increased the level of security across Maharashtra,” a top official of the Intelligence department said - and all public Ganesh mandals have been advise to be on vigil and carry out checks.

Addressing a news conference, Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Himanshu Roy said the two terrorists who have entered are of foreign origin, however, their nationality has not yet been ascertained.

The two have been identifeid as Khalimuddin Khan alias Rameshwar Pandit (28) and Hafiz Sharif (25).

The photographs of these two persons have also been released.

Said Roy: “We have received information from the intelligence agencies that two persons of foreign origin have entered Mumbai ………We have reasons to believe that they are here to cause disruptions at crowded places and places of worship.”

The police have yet not been able to understand the country of origin or if they owe allegiance to any terrorist organisation. To exercise caution the Crime Branch and Mumbai police have formed teams to intercept these two men.

It is pertinent to mention here that earlier this week, Intelligence Bureau has tipped off the Maharashtra Government about possible terror strikes during the festive season.

"We appeal to the citizens to remain alert and inform the police if they spot the two," he said. Asked when the duo had sneaked into the city, Roy  said :"Very recently".

Citizens are requested to inform the police immediately on helplines 100 or 2263 33 33 and 2262 50 20 – if they come to know about these persons.