Al-Qaeda threat to Indian events

A leading member of terrorist group al-Qaeda has warned foreigners to stay away from the Commonwealth Games, the Indian Premier League and the Hockey World Cup, all due to take place in India this year.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Ilyas Kashmiri, head of al-Qaeda arm the 313 Brigade, has recently stated "we warn the international community not to send their people to the 2010 Hockey World Cup, IPL and Commonwealth Games. Nor should their people visit India - if they do, they will be responsible for the consequences."

The organisers of the events have reacted bullishly. Indian Premier League Chief Executive Lalit Modi insisted this year's championship would go ahead as planned, beginning 12th March.

Commonwealth Games Federation Chief Executive Mike Hooper told the Sydney Morning Herald "the Games will not be shifted, make no mistake, the Games in 2010 will be in Delhi, there is no Plan B.

"From a planning and security point of view, there is nothing to my knowledge that would suggest that security planning for the Games is not on track. The commitment is unwavering from the Indian government to deliver a safe and secure Games."

The Indian Government is to brief hockey officials on Friday over security. The Hockey World Cup is due to start in Delhi on 28th February.

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