US asks its citizens in India to take steps for their security

Washington, Nov 28 (UNI) The US Department of State has warned American citizens against 'heightened security concerns'in India, and advised those travelling to or already in the country to maintain a high level of vigillance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.

This Travel Alert, issued yesterday expires on December 31, 2008.

The travel advisory says there are heightened security concerns in India following Wednesday's terrorist attacks on hotels, a railway station, restaurant, hospital, and other locations in Mumbai frequented by Westerners.

The State Department document says Americans appear to have been among those specifically targeted.

US citizens should exercise caution and take prudent security measures, including maintaining a high level of vigilance, avoiding crowds and demonstrations, keeping a low profile, varying times and routes for all travel, and ensuring travel documents are current, the travel alert said.

In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks, the Department of State has urged American citizens to defer their travel plans to Mumbai by least 48-72 hours.

Americans are advised to monitor local news reports, vary t heir routes and times in carrying out daily activities, and consider the level of security present when visiting public places, including religious sites, or hotels, restaurants, entertainment and recreation venues, the advisory added.

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