Friday, August 11 2006 18:41 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: The Government today (Aug 11, 2006) 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.



"It is normal for a mission to issue advisories whenever they have information. We too do the same thing. They do their security bandobast based on that. It is a very innocuous advisory," Union Home Secretary V K Duggal told a press conference here.

He was commenting on a warning issued by the US Embassy here that Al Qaeda and other foreign terrorist groups may carry out attacks here and in Mumbai ahead of or during the Independence Day.

The US Embassy said the attacks could possibly occur from today till August 16 and the likely targets are airports, vital government installations and crowded places. The warning came a day after a major terror plot was foiled in Britain.

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," he said.

"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.

Duggal said the US exercise was similar to the action that the Centre takes whenever it gets an intelligence input.

"We do handle it (input) in an appropriate manner. We take all appropriate action. We sensitise all concerned agencies, state governments, we reinforce where it is required. It is the job of the Government and home ministry to do their best to provide security and safety to the people and citizens of the country," he said.

Duggal said on the basis on inputs received from various agencies and sources, appropriate action is taken. He said everything required was being done.

Ahead of the Independence Day, he said, every possible measure has been put in place to thwart attempts by Pakistan- based militant groups to unleash terror in the country.

Delhi Police last night arrested at New Delhi station two terrorists of the Lashker-e-Taiba outfit, which is believed to be working with Al Qaeda. One of the terrorists was a Pakistani national.