India says US warning is innocuous

Following foiling of a possible terrorist strike in UK, the US embassy in NewDelhi issued an advisory.

The Embassy has learned that foreign terrorists, possibly including members of Al-Qaida, allegedly intend to carry out a series of bombing attacks in or around New Delhi and Mumbai (Bombay) in the days leading up to India’s Independence Day on August 15, 2006 (i.e., a possible time frame of 11 - 16 August). Likely targets include major airports, key central Indian government offices, and major gathering places such as hotels and markets.

[Emphasis original. Source: OSAC]

It’s essentially an advisory for the US nationals (tourists, etc.) in India. But it’s effectively an indication that the US intelligence services have some information about possible strikes. Whether these likely attacks materialize or not is besides the point. Indian authorities should at least acknowledge this and try liaising with American intelligence authorities.

However, Indian authorities seem to be sure that the US fears are baseless and that the warning itself is “innocuous”

The government on Friday described as “very innocuous” the US Embassy advisory on possible Al-Qaeda attacks in the national capital and Mumbai but refrained from commenting on the presence of foreign terrorists in the country.

[Source: Rediff.com]

I fail to understand what is innocuous about the warning. The advisory is very clear on the possible timeframe of the attacks, the possible places of attack and even possibly the perpetrators. It’s quite clear and upfront. Now it is upto the Indian authorities to link up with the Americans and extract the details. But what do we have here? Indians want the intelligence to be delivered to their doorstep!!

Duggal repeatedly ducked questions whether there was any presence of al Qaeda in the country. “I have only seen the advisory and there is no intelligence input shared with us.

“It is normal for them to issue advisories for their mission staff to maintain a low profile. This is strictly their internal matter. I have no comments whatsoever,” he said.

[Emphasis mine]

What the hell?!! … how are possible terrorist strikes in New Delhi and Mumbai, an American internal matter?!! I fail to understand this completely!

On the other hand, it’s a classical Indian response. Go into denial to start with and then if incidents happen, then bemoan the lack of intelligence or better still, blame it all on Gujarat!

And all this is hours after the capture of two LeT terrorists (including a Pakistan national) at New Delhi station with five detonators!!