"India is safer than any other country"

[sharmila banu.m]

New Delhi, June 04: Clearly upset about the US government issuing a travel advisory cautioning its citizens on India, Home Minister P Chidamabarm made it clear on Thursday that government would ask the US to withdraw its advisory as it is not justifiable.

According to the latest news report, an 'Urgent Warden Message' was posted on the American Embassy website cautioning American citizens in India.

"The United States Mission in India wishes to urgently remind all US citizens resident in or travelling to India that there is a high threat from terrorism throughout India," the message said.

"As terror attacks are a serious and growing threat, US citizens are urged to always practice good security, including maintaining a heightened situational awareness and a low profile".

It also said that there was "high threat" from terrorism throughout the country and asked American citizens to remain vigilant at all times.

"Americans in India should be vigilant at all times and monitor local news reports and vary their routes and times in carrying out daily activities," the message said.

Adding that the Americans should consider the level of security present when visiting public places, including religious sites, or choosing hotels, restaurants, entertainment and recreation venues.

The warning is said to be based on the general threat perception, and the law and order situation in various parts of the country.

But, clearly, New Delhi is not amused. Chidamabaram, although claiming to have not personally seen the advisory, said, "If at all there's such an advisory, then the government will ask the Ministry of External Affairs to ask US to withdraw it."

"I don't think there is a justification for this advisory, thousands of tourists come to India, and we will continue to welcome them."

"India is a safe country, safer than any country in the world; we will try to persuade the US to withdraw the travel advisory," added Chidambaram.

Asked whether the US was trying to hyphenate India and Pakistan, Chidambaram said, "Why should we jump to conclusions. We will try to find out why this advisory was issued, if at all it was issued."

Clearly, the timing of the advisory has sent alarms bells ringing in the Delhi establishment as on the face of it there seems to be no apparent reason for issuing such a warning by the US.

Agreed, there had been some violence in Punjab and Kashmir simmering again – something that happens every summer – but that doesn't make a case for a travel advisory, something the US didn't do even in the immediate aftermath of the Mumbai attacks, experts opined.

The apparent reason it seems are the recent reports of intelligence inputs obtained by the US and Indian intelligence agencies which suggests the possibility of more deadly 26/11 strikes in India in the days to come.

As per news reports, the inputs gathered by various agencies have suggested that terrorist outfits such as the Lashkar-e-Toiba are planning to launch more severe strikes apparently targeting the right-wing leaders and vulnerable southern states.


SOURCE - ZEENEWS.COM
DATE - 04.06.2009