Australians warned of terror strikes in markets of Delhi

Natasha Chaku
Melbourne, Apr 22 (PTI) Australia on Thursday warned
its citizens to exercise a high degree of caution and avoid
some of the shopping areas and markets in India's national
capital New Delhi because of the high risk of terrorist
activity.
The Australian warning comes a day after the US
Embassy in New Delhi on Wednesday asked its citizens in India
to refrain from visiting congested areas of Delhi following
"increased indications" of terrorists planning attacks.
Though Australia has not upgraded its travel advisory
on India but the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Thursday updated its travellers' website to give information
about the new warnings.
"On 21 April, the United States and Canada issued
separate warnings about possible attacks against markets
frequented by foreigners in New Delhi.
"According to these warnings, specific and credible
information suggests that markets including Chandni Chowk,
Connaught Place, Greater Kailash, Karol Bagh, Mehrauli, and
Sarojini Nagar could be targeted by terrorists in the coming
days or weeks. We strongly advise Australians to minimise
their presence in market areas of New Delhi," it said.
It further asked visitors to pay close attention to
their personal security at all times and monitor the media for
information about possible new safety or security risks.
"Terrorist attacks could occur at any time anywhere in
India with little or no warning," it said.
"We continue to receive reporting of possible threats
against prominent business and tourist locations, including in
Mumbai and New Delhi. Credible reporting suggests that
terrorists may be planning attacks in India directed at hotels
frequented by foreigners, including perceived western owned
hotels," it said.
Citing that there was a continuing threat from
terrorism throughout India and major secular and religious
holidays could provide terrorist groups an opportunity or
pretext to stage an attack, it said: "We judge that terrorists
may target prominent religious sites such as the Ram temple
site in Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh... We advise travellers to
register their travel and contact details in advance of their
trip." PTI NC
MYR