‘Delhi CWG terror alert’ not meant to criticise ‘good friends’ Indian govt, citizens: Gillard

CANBERRA - After a fresh alert was issued saying there is a “high risk of a terrorist attack” at the Delhi Commonwealth Games, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard has said that the advice is based on “factual assessment” and is not meant to criticise the Indian government or its people.

Earlier, the Department of Foreign Affairs has released a fresh alert saying there is a “high risk of a terrorist attack” at the Delhi Commonwealth Games, which are scheduled to start from October 3.

Gillard, however, said that this advice is not meant to criticise the Indian government or its citizens who are “our good friends and partners”.

“Our travel advice is our best factual assessment of the situation on the ground in the country concerned. It is not a judgement or a criticism, it is simply a service provided to help travellers make an informed decision,” News.com.au quoted Gillard, as saying.

The Department of Foreign Affairs, earlier issued this alert after the media reported that leaked top secret police documents reveal two extremist groups are planning to attack the Commonwealth Games. It further said that police had intercepted some phone tapping intelligence indicating the groups are targeting ‘foreign teams and officials’.

“Australians in New Delhi should be aware that the Commonwealth Games will be held in a security environment where there is a high risk of terrorism. We continue to receive reporting that terrorists plan to attack public places, including hotels and tourist locations, in New Delhi, Mumbai and other major cities,” the statement read. (ANI)