Britain and Australia have joined the United States in issuing revised travel advisories following Sunday’s attack near the Jama Masjid on a group of tourists from Taiwan. The two Commonwealth countries cautioned their citizens about travelling to New Delhi during the Commonwealth Games to be held here from October 3 to 14. Canada and New Zealand have expressed security concerns too. Union tourism minister Kumari Selja, meanwhile, reassured the international community on Monday that India still remained a safe destination.
The travel advice posted on the Australian high commission’s website urged Australians to exercise a "high degree of caution" in India generally and in New Delhi in particular. "We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in India at this time because of the high risk of terrorist activity by militant groups," read the travel advice, which was reviewed and reissued following the attack on Sunday on the Taiwanese nationals.
It added: "There is a high risk of terrorist attacks in New Delhi. Since 2000, there have been at least 14 major terrorist attacks in New Delhi on locations such
as markets, train stations and other public places. These attacks have caused hundreds of deaths and
injuries. Australians in New Delhi should be aware that the Commonwealth Games will be held in a security environment where there is a high risk of
terrorism."
Similarly, Britain reviewed and reissued its travel advisory for India. A message posted on the British high commission’s website read: "There is a high threat from terrorism throughout India. Terrorists have targeted places in the past which Westerners are known to visit, including public places such as restaurants, hotels, railway stations, markets and places of worship. Two Taiwanese tourists were injured in a shooting incident near the Jama Masjid in New Delhi on 19 September."
New Zealand was assessing Commonwealth Games security in New Delhi. The New Zealand Olympic Committee said it was seeking more information about
Sunday’s attack. New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has said his government was taking the attack seriously and was working to update the New Zealand Olympic Committee on the security situation in New Delhi. Canada is understood to have urged its nationals to exercise a high degree of caution too.
Union tourism minister Kumari Selja, meanwhile, urged foreign tourists not to panic, saying India was a safe destination, and that the safety and security of tourists was of utmost concern to the government. "This attack on tourists shows the desperation of those
elements who want to create panic in society by attacking innocent people," Ms Selja said.
In Taiwan, the foreign ministry urged Taiwanese nationals to be careful about personal safety in India but it did not issue a travel alert. Nearly 30,000 Taiwanese visit India every year for sightseeing or business, as well as to visit Buddhist sites and those associated with the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader who is highly respected in that country. "This is an isolated incident. It will not affect Taiwan people’s
interest in visiting India," the German press agency DPA quoted Yeh Ting-lin, chairman of Shih Chun
Travel, as saying. "Terrorist attacks usually target Americans and Europeans. Generally speaking, Taiwanese tourists are safe," he said.
Following Sunday’s attack on the Taiwanese tourists, the US embassy here alerted American citizens "to always practice good security, maintain a heightened situational awareness and a low profile. US citizens are advised to monitor local news reports and consider the level of security present when visiting public places, including religious sites."