Delhi on high terror alert

An alert was issued for the national capital and the areas falling within the National Capital Region by the Union home ministry on Saturday following fresh advisories issued by the US, UK and Australia warning of “imminent” terror strikes in Delhi.

The home ministry, however, stressed there is no need to panic and that “it is aware of terror threats which are not specific to Delhi”. The home ministry said an alert has been issued for Jammu and Kashmir too on the basis of intelligence inputs regarding the designs of terrorist outfits to strike over the weekend.

The Delhi Police, in response to the advisories and the alert issued by the home ministry, said it was taking “appropriate measures” to prevent any terror strikes.

The US embassy said on its website: “Terrorists have targeted places in the past where US citizens or Westerners are known to visit. Markets, such as those located in Chandni Chowk, Connaught Place, Greater Kailash, Karol Bagh, Mehrauli, and Sarojini Nagar, can be especially attractive targets for terrorist groups.” In a similar advisory, the UK government said, “There are increased indications that terrorists are planning attacks in New Delhi.” The Australian advisory said, “Reliable reporting indicates that terrorists may be planning to attack markets in New Delhi.”