Foreign tourists not fleeing Varanasi

Varanasi, Mar 8 (UNI) The ghastly twin blasts in the ancient temple town yesterday that killed at least 17 people notwithstanding, foreign tourists are not fleeing Varanasi as yet.

On an average, 500 foreigners visit the temple town every day, especially from Japan, South Korea, Britain, USA, France, Germany, Spain and Israel.

Regional tourism officer A K Srivastava told UNI here today that although the foreigners had become extra vigilant following the blasts, they were not in the mood to cut short their visits.

He claimed several tourists were in regular touch with the tourism department officials regarding the blasts.

Condemning the blasts, US citizen Eliza maintained that she would adhere to her travel itinerary. ''The killing of innocent people is a crime against humanity.'' Putting up a brave front, Eric -- who has been learning 'tabla' since the last five years here -- maintained that foreign nationals are not panicking in the present circumstances.

''Such blasts have become routine all over the world. Spain and Indonesia have witnessed even bigger blasts, but it failed to deter tourists from visiting these places,'' he justified.

Gustavo of Norway philosphised that such blasts were carried out to terrorise people. ''...these incidents cannot discourage us from visiting tourist spots of our choice,'' he said.

UNI NAR-VS PA ND1932