From correspondents in Delhi, India, 11:03 PM IST

The union home ministry Monday asked states and union territories to increase police patrolling and take adequate security measures in the wake of the terror strikes in Bangalore and Ahmedabad.

"We have advised the states and union territories to maintain ground level vigilance, particularly in crowded areas and sensitive locations," a ministry spokesman said.

"They have also been advised to increase ground level policing and take precautionary measures to ensure peace and harmony," the spokesman added.

According to officials in the ministry, Special Secretary (Internal Security) M.L. Kumawat is visiting Ahmedabad to assess the situation.

At least 50 people were killed and 200 injured when 21 synchronised blasts ripped through Ahmedabad Saturday. In Bangalore, one woman was killed and seven others were injured when a series of seven blasts went off Friday evening.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)