New Delhi, September 18
After the US, Israel has warned its citizens against travelling to India, sending a chilling reminder to the security agencies about the threat to the country from Pakistan-based terrorist groups during the current festive season.
Israel’s counter-terrorism bureau, which operates under the country’s national security council (NSC), has issued a warning that militants were preparing attacks in India similar to those in Mumbai last year.
The travel warning is said to be based on a concrete and serious threat to Israelis. The counter terrorism bureau has asked the Israelis in India to avoid crowded places, especially tourist areas. It said the same organisation that had masterminded 26/11 attacks was planning to carry out many more strikes across India.
The warning comes just as chabad houses (Jewish community centre) across India plan numerous events for the celebration of the Jewish New Year. A Jewish community centre was among the targets of the terrorists who had attacked Mumbai last year.
Last week, the US State Department had warned American citizens of the possibility of terrorist attacks throughout India during the festive season.
These travel advisories have come at a time when reports have suggested that Pakistan-based terrorist groups were planning fresh attacks in India. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Home Minister P Chidambaram have already warned about the possibility of terror attacks.
