Al Qaeda planning to dress up suicide bombers as Sikhs

London, Jan 27 (ANI): Al Qaeda is planning to dress up suicide bombers as Sikhs and security chiefs fear that Muslim extremists may hide the explosives inside Sikh headgear.

Al-Qaida is plotting to dress like Sikhs to exploit religious sensitivities about removing traditional clothing.

A security source said: "Dressing as a Sikh may give would-be suicide bombers the edge in getting past checkpoints. Security agents on the ground have been warned to be vigilant. Thorough body pat-downs are now regular practice, but the head area may be open to exploitation."

"Ceramic weapons are also a concern, but we are working hard to deal with the threat," the Daily Star quoted the source, as saying.

The new fears come after the UK terror alert status was raised last weekend from "substantial" to "severe".

Al-Qaeda thugs know Muslims may face extra scrutiny at security checkpoints so Osama bin Laden is even believed to have sent two beautiful women suicide bombers to target this week's anti-terror summit in London.

Last night Sikh groups acknowledged fanatics could use headgear worn by Sikh men with long hair in a bid to escape detection.

Dr Inderjit Singh, Director of the Network of Sikh Organisations, said: "It is credible that a terrorist may attempt to use a turban to hide weapons or explosives, but in practice Sikhs are searched much like anyone else.

"If guards have concerns about what is under a turban then the individual can be led into a private room and be asked to remove it." (ANI)