US citizens asked to maintain a high-level vigilance.
For the first time, the United States has issued a warning to its citizens living in India of an imminent threat from Islamic State (ISIS) and has asked them to maintain a high-level vigilance.
“Recent Indian media reports indicate ISIL’s desire to attack targets in India. The US Embassy warns of an increased threat to places in India frequented by Westerners, such as religious sites, markets, and festival venues,” the US Embassy New Delhi said in a statement.
Titled ‘Security Message for US Citizens’, Tuesday’s alert further adds that citizens must take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness as detailed in the State Department’s Worldwide Caution of September 9, 2016, which says that “India continues to experience terrorist and insurgent activities which may affect US citizens directly or indirectly. Anti-Western terrorist groups active in India include Islamist Mohammed, and Lashkar-e Tayyiba. Past attacks have targeted public places, including some frequented by Westerners, such as luxury and other hotels, trains, train stations, markets, cinemas, mosques, and restaurants in large urban areas.”
According to reports, the warning may affect foreign visitor inflow to India as the peak travel season is just about to begin.
“The heightened tensions between India and Pakistan: the war-like situation on the line of control in Kashmir and overall enhanced security across India. The peak season of foreign inbound travel begins from October-November. The alert like the one issued by the US on Tuesday is likely to be followed by other nations too and may severely hit tourism to India this year,” The Times of India quoted a travel agent who did not want to be named.