Foreign tourists in Delhi undeterred by terror alert

New Delhi, May 3 (ANI): Markets in national capital continue to witness normal inflow of foreign tourists despite western countries warning of terror attacks.

Undeterred by the advisories large numbers of foreign tourists continue to throng markets.

"I guess it's more important to be vigilant and careful, but I don't think... to affect much of our traveling plans...just, yes...being more careful, I guess," said Aail, a British tourist.

"There's obviously lot of police present at the moment, I don't feel insecure at all. To be honest, I don't really believe in the threat of terrorist attack," added Alex, another British tourist.

Shopkeepers, however, say the security alert has hit their business.

"Business is affected because of the security alert issued by the Delhi Police. People are not visiting markets due to fear. Once it is clear, business would be back to normal," said Suresh Chandra Gupta, a shopkeeper.

The Home Ministry had on Saturday issued an alert following indications from the US, Canada and New Zealand that Delhi is on the terrorists' radar, and might be attacked in the near future.

The ministry has asked Delhi citizens to be vigilant and to cooperate with the security officials.

It stressed that while there is no need to panic, "it is aware of these terror threats, which are not specific to Delhi". It said the terror warning is related to increased infiltration attempts in Jammu and Kashmir.

This is the second warning issued by the US in last two weeks.

Earlier, the US said that it had "credible information" about terrorists planning to carry out strikes in some Indian cities and to target American nationals, and the US Embassy in New Delhi.

The US had warned that markets, such as those located in Chandni Chowk, Connaught Place, Greater Kailash, Karol Bagh, Mehrauli, and Sarojini Nagar, could be attractive targets for terrorist groups.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Police has said it has taken appropriate security measures to prevent any untoward incident from taking place.

"Delhi Police is aware of the advisory issued by the U.S. Embassy that there are increased indications that terrorist attacks are imminent in New Delhi. We are taking appropriate measures in this regard," said Delhi Police spokesperson Rajan Bhagat. (ANI)