Attack alerts in Delhi hit plans to stage Commonwealth Games

Britain, the US and other Western governments have warned of imminent terrorist plans to attack commercial targets in Delhi in the latest setback for India’s plans to host the Commonwealth Games in October.

Travel advice issued by Western embassies in the past two days contained an unusually specific warning that six popular markets and shopping districts in Delhi were likely to be targeted.

“At this time there are increased indications that terrorists are planning attacks in Delhi,” said the warning on the website of the British High Commission.

“Terrorists have targeted places in the past which Westerners are known to visit. Markets such as those in Chandni Chowk, Connaught Place, Greater Kailash, Karol Bagh, Mehrauli and Sarojini Nagar may be especially attractive targets.”

Chandni Chowk is in the heart of old Delhi and one of the city’s main tourist attractions. Connaught Place is in the commercial centre and also a major draw for foreign visitors. The other places listed are popular shopping areas for tourists and wealthier Indians.

The last majorbig attack in Delhi was a series of bomb blasts in busy, upmarket shopping areas in September 2008 that killed 22 people and wounded 100 more. Sarojini Nagar was also bombed in 2005.

The upgraded travel warnings come as India tries to convince the world that it can provide sufficient security for the Commonwealth Games, which are expected to draw 8,000 foreign athletes and officials and 100,000 spectators.

India plans to deploy 4,000 army troops to help to protect them, as well as tens of thousands of police but many Commonwealth athletes and sports officials are concerned that security infrastructure for the Games is months behind schedule.

They were also worried by two low-intensity bombs that detonated at a cricket stadium in the southern city of Bangalore before an Indian Premier League game last week.

In February a bomb ripped through a crowded restaurant popular with travellers in the western city of Pune, killing 16 people, including five foreigners.