Delhi attacks raise Games concern -20 September, 2010

Delhi attacks raise Games concern -20 September, 2010: "Delhi attacks raise Games concern

The attack on tourists in Delhi ahead of next month's Commonwealth Games has reinforced fears that the city is at ''high risk'' of an attack by local terrorists.

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs has released an updated travel advisory to include an incident on Sunday in which a busload of Taiwanese tourists was fired at by a person riding pillion on a motorcycle.

Two of the tourists were shot but survived.

''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,'' the advisory states.

An Islamist group called the Indian Mujahideen claimed responsibility for the attack.

Tour operators dismissed concerns that the incident was a terrorist attack.

Rajeev Kohli, joint managing director of Creative Travel India, said, “In my personal opinion, the level of the attack does not seem to be the work of any terrorist organisation for the target was too insignificant and the area affected very limited.”

In a statement, Cox and Kings India said all guests in Delhi were safe. “With enhanced security the situation in Old Delhi is normal,” the company added.

by Ian Jarrett