Canada warns of terror attacks in Delhi’s Chandni Chowk

TORONTO - Canada Saturday joined the US and Australia in warning of an imminent terrorist attack in India, particularly in capital New Delhi.

Issuing a travel advisory, the Department of Foreign Affairs said: “Credible and specific reporting indicates that a terrorist attack could be carried out in the following days or weeks in market areas of Delhi frequented by foreigners, specifically in the Chandni Chowk area in Old Delhi.”

Urging travellers to exercise a high degree of caution, the advisory said they should be watchful about their surroundings and minimize their presence in market areas of the city.

The Canadian advisory follows similar warnings Saturday by the missions of the US and Australia in India, cautioning their nationals against visiting certain parts of the country.

Listing attacks in Andhra Pradesh since early December 2009, the Canadian advisory said “a number of protests and strikes have been taking place in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Several of these, in the vicinity of Osmania University in Hyderabad, have turned violent.

“Canadians are advised to exercise a high degree of caution, avoid large crowds and demonstrations, and follow the advice of local authorities.”

It adds: “Terrorist attacks have occurred throughout India, often taking the form of remotely detonated bomb blasts in crowded markets of major centres at peak shopping time in the early evening.

“The latest attack took place outside a cricket stadium in Bangalore on April 17, 2010. On February 13, 2010, a crowded bakery popular among tourists in Pune was the target of an attack that killed nine people and injured dozens, including several foreigners.”