Oz intelligence agencies monitoring India security threat to athletes

Melbourne, Feb.17 (ANI): The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO),the domestic counter-intelligence and security agency of Australia, which is responsible for the protection of the country and its citizens from espionage, sabotage, politically-motivated violence, attacks on the Australian defence system, terrorism and acts of foreign interference, is closely liaising with their Indian counterparts over threats by al-Qa'ida linked militants against participants in the Indian Premier League, hockey's World Cup and Commonwealth Games.

Disclosing this today, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said that the warning issued by a terror group calling itself the 313 Brigade is being taken seriously.

The Daily Telegraph quoted Rudd as telling reporters that: "Indian authorities have pledged to implement strong security procedures for all upcoming sporting events in India. We, however will be following this very, very closely."

Intelligence agencies in Australia were "keeping in closest possible liaison" with their Indian counterparts in monitoring the threats, he added.

The group sent their message to the Asia Times Online following Saturday's bomb blast outside Pune's German bakery which killed 10 people, including foreigners.

"We warn the international community not to send their people to the 2010 Hockey World Cup, the Indian Premier League and Commonwealth Games.

"Nor should their people visit India, if they do, they will be responsible for the consequences," said wanted terrorist Ilyas Kashmiri.

In his message, Kashmiri further said: "We warn the international community to play its role in getting the Kashmiris their right to self-determination and preventing India from committing brutalities in Kashmir."

Kashmiri said his group would seek revenge for the demolition of the Babri Masjid and the 2002 Gujarat riots. (ANI)