Canada warns of `imminent` terror threat in New Delhi

Toronto, May 2 (PTI) Canada has joined US and Australia
in warning their citizens who may be travelling to India about
a threat of an imminent terrorist attack in the capital New
Delhi.
In an email circulated on Saturday to registered
Canadians living in India, the Department of Foreign Affairs
and International Trade said, "while there is a continuing
threat of terrorist attacks throughout India at all times,
credible and specific reporting indicates that a terrorist
attack could be carried in the following days or weeks, in
market areas of Delhi frequented by foreigners."
The travel advisory was the third sent out in recent days
and warns travellers to avoid New Delhi's popular Chandni
Chowk area in Old Delhi.
"We advise to exercise a high degree of caution, to
monitor your surroundings and to minimise your presence in
market areas of the city," the advisory said.
New Delhi has been relatively safe over the past year and
a half.
The advisory also comes as India and Pakistan attempt to
normalise diplomatic ties. This week both the south Asian
neighbours agreed to schedule meetings between foreign
ministers.
"Canadians are urged to exercise a high degree of
caution, monitor their surroundings and minimise their
presence in market areas of the city," the Foreign Affairs
notice said.
The notice does not say what information led officials to
issue the warning. However, it does point out that there have
been a number of recent attacks in crowded markets and other
areas, including a bombing outside a cricket stadium in
Bangalore in April, and a February bombing at a bakery in Pune
that killed nine people and injured dozens of others.
Foreign Affairs says Canadians should expect delays at
all major airports in India as authorities boost security
measures.
The notice also urges Canadians planning to travel to the
Commonwealth Games in New Delhi this October to register with
Foreign Affairs so they can be contacted and assisted in case
of an emergency.
After Canada and US issued their warnings, the Australian
government also issued a statement to its citizens urging that
they exercise a "high degree of caution" if they are
travelling in India.
The statement also cites an alert issued by the Indian
government on April 29 that warned that terrorist attacks are
"likely" in Kolkata, including at the local airport. PTI