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

The US and Canada have issued fresh travel alerts to its citizens in India, warning them of possible terrorist attacks ahead of Independence Day, but the 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 GK 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, a source said.

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