US, Canada ask their citizens in India to be alert for attacks

New Delhi, Aug 11 (PTI) The US and Canada have issued
fresh travel alerts to its citizens in India, warning them of
possible terrorist attacks ahead of Independence Day on August
15, but Government dubbed such advisories as "routine" saying
there was no threat to foreigners.

"There is a continuing threat from terrorism throughout
India and the upcoming series of major holidays (including
August 15 Independence Day celebrations) could provide
terrorist groups an opportunity or pretext to stage an
attack," a message put up on the US embassy website said.

This is the second such alert issued by the US mission in
less than two-and-a-half-months.

A travel warning, posted on the Canadian High Commission
website said, "Canadians travelling to India should be
particularly vigilant in the lead up to and on days of
national significance, as militants have used such occasions
to mount attacks in the past."

It noted that in the run up to Independence Day, the
government has increased security throughout the country,
particularly in the cities of Delhi, Kolkata and Hyderabad."

Seeking to downplay the advisories, Union Home Secretary
G K Pillai said "the US keeps sending advisories. I think they
send at least 30 to 40 advisories in a year. These are routine
and general in nature. There is nothing new in it."

He said the security arrangements for the Independence
Day across the country were good and there was no specific
threat to American citizens.

Both the countries have advised their citizens to
practice good security and maintain high level of awareness at
crowded places.

"American citizens are advised to be alert to the
continued possibility of terrorist attacks," the US note said.

It recalled the 26/11 terror attacks in which five
Americans were among 22 foreigners killed. The strikes had
left 183 dead.

"The November 2008 attacks in Mumbai provided a vivid
reminder that luxury hotels are especially attractive targets
for terrorist groups," it said.

Canadian citizens "are strongly encouraged to maintain a
high level of vigilance, remain aware of their local
surroundings, monitor local news reports, follow the
advice of local authorities, avoid crowded places, and take
appropriate steps to increase their personal security," the
Canadian advisory said.

The Union Home Ministry has asked all the states and
union territories to maintain a tight vigil especially along
the coastal areas which may be used by Pakistan-based
Lashker-e-Taiba (LeT) to infiltrate.

Intelligence reports indicated that besides the national
capital, Kolkata and Hyderabad are on the hit list of LeT,
sources said.

Security at important public places and vital
installations, including Delhi Metro and railway stations, bus
terminals and crowded market places have been tightened. PTI
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