New Delhi: The US, the UK and Australia have
issued travel advisories to its citizens in view of the bomb
blast at a famous eatery frequented by foreigners in Pune,
asking them to maintain a "heightened situational awareness
and a low profile".
"American citizens are advised to be alert to the
continued possibility of terrorist attacks in India.
"The February 13 terrorist bombing in a bakery frequented
by Westerners in Pune, Maharashtra, serves as a reminder that
terrorists and their sympathisers are capable of attacking
targets where US citizens or Westerners are known to
congregate or visit," the US travel alert said.
In its travel alert, updated after the blast, the Foreign
and Commonwealth Office (FCO) of the UK government said, "on 13 February a bomb exploded in a bakery/coffee shop in Pune killing nine and injuring up to 53 people. Foreigners were
among the casualties. British nationals are reminded to remain
vigilant in public places."
"There is a high general threat from terrorism throughout
India. Recent attacks have targeted public places including
those frequented by westerners and expatriates," it said.
Australia, in its alert said, "We advise you to exercise a
high degree of caution in India at this time because of the
high risk of terrorist activity by militant groups...We
continue to receive reporting of possible threats against
prominent business and tourist locations, including in Mumbai
and New Delhi."
In the first major attack after 26/11, terror struck
Pune on Saturday night as a powerful bomb ripped apart at a
popular bakery-cum-cafe near the Chabad House, killing nine
people and injuring 57 others.
-PTI
