Zeenews Bureau
New Delhi: The country’s capital New Delhi seems to be on terror radar, with four separate advisories issued on Saturday – one by the government – warning of “imminent” terror attacks.
In the fresh advisories issued by the US, UK and Australia, the three countries warned of "imminent" terror attacks in New Delhi, particularly in market places like Connaught Place, Greater Kailash and Chandni Chowk, which are "attractive targets" for terrorist groups.
Highly placed government sources said that the
advisories are being taken "seriously" and Delhi Police has
been asked to be on "full alert".
The Ministry of Home Affairs, on the other hand, asked authorities and security agencies in Delhi to be on high alert, and asked citizens to avoid crowded places. The ministry advisory specifically asked citizens and police to be on alert today and tomorrow.
The US, in its Warden Message updated today, said
there are "increased indications that terrorists are planning
imminent attacks in New Delhi."
The advisory, primarily intended for American citizens
in India, said it provides updated information related to the
April 21, 2010 Warden Message and additional information
related to the Travel Alert issued for India on April 16,
2010.
"Markets such as those located in Chandni Chowk,
Connaught Place, Greater Kailash, Karol Bagh, Mehrauli, and
Sarojini Nagar, can be especially attractive targets for
terrorist groups," the advisory said.
In its advisory, the UK said, "At this time there are
increased indications that terrorists are planning attacks in
New Delhi."
"You should be particularly conscious of security
considerations in the vicinity of key government installations
and tourist sites," the UK`s Foreign and Commonwealth Office
said.
The Australian advisory said, "Reliable reporting
indicates that terrorists may be planning to attack markets in
New Delhi, including those frequented by foreigners. Such
attacks could occur at any time from 22 April."
It "strongly" advised Australians to avoid all
markets in New Delhi until further notice and exercise "high
degree of caution".
These countries have been issuing such advisories in
the past also but this time they have talked about an
"imminent" threat about terrorist strikes in Delhi.
Government sources said Delhi is always "high" on the
terror target and additional forces are being deployed in the
city.
Delhi Police issued an appeal asking the public to be
"vigilant and fully cooperate" with it.
It said, "Delhi Police is aware of the advisory issued
by Embassy of the US that there are increased indications that
terrorist attacks are imminent in New Delhi. Delhi Police is
taking appropriate measures in this regard."
The US advisory noted that terrorists have targeted
places in the past where its citizens or Westerners are known
to congregate or visit.
"Americans travelling or residing in India are
strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance,
remain aware of their surroundings, monitor local news
reports, and take appropriate steps to bolster their personal
security," it said.
The UK advisory also identified markets such as those
in Chandni Chowk, Connaught Place, Greater Kailash, Karol
Bagh, Mehrauli and Sarojini Nagar, as "especially attractive
targets", like it was done by the US.
A number of Delhi markets were bombed in 2008 and
Sarojini Nagar in 2005.
Australia further said that credible reporting
suggests that terrorists may be planning attacks in India
directed at hotels frequented by foreigners, including
perceived Western-owned hotels and terrorists may also be
planning attacks against Indian political and security
interests.
(With PTI inputs)
