ASIO monitoring India security threat to athletes

AUSTRALIAN intelligence agencies are closely liaising with their Indian counterparts over threats by al-Qa'ida linked militants against participants in the Indian Premier League, hockey's World Cup and Commonwealth Games, Kevin Rudd said today.

The warning by a terror group calling itself the 313 Brigade is being taken seriously although no decision has been made to upgrade the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade travel advice for India, Mr Rudd told reporters.

"Indian authorities have pledged to implement strong security procedures for all upcoming sporting events in India.

"We, however will be following this very, very closely,'' the prime minister said.

Intelligence agencies in Australia were "keeping in closest possible liaison'' with their Indian counterparts in monitoring the threats, he added.

The group sent their message to the Asia Times Online following Saturday's bomb blast outside Pune's German bakery which killed 10 people, including foreigners.
"We warn the international community not to send their people to the 2010 Hockey World Cup, the Indian Premier League and Commonwealth Games.

"Nor should their people visit India, if they do, they will be responsible for the consequences," said wanted terrorist Ilyas Kashmiri.

In his message, wanted terrorist Kashmiri, the chief of the 313 brigade said: "We warn the international community to play its role in getting the Kashmiris their right to self-determination and preventing India from committing brutalities in Kashmir."

Kashmiri said his group would seek revenge for the demolition of the Babri Masjid and the 2002 Gujarat riots.