Hotels step up security

Our Bureau Updated - July 16, 2011 at 07:34 PM.

Hotels across the financial capital of India, Mumbai, have tightened security in the aftermath of the blasts on Wednesday.

“The safety and security of our guests and employees are extremely important to us and we are being constantly advised and appraised by the central and state security agencies on the developments. We would like to reassure that we have taken adequate precautions for the safety of our guests and employees,” said a Taj Hotels spokesperson.

Security outside the hotel was stepped down a notch a day before the bombings but now the hotel is trying to get those barricades up again.

Other major hotels across the city are also keeping a strict vigil. “In light of the security situation in the city we are keeping a close watch on guests coming to the hotel. Security staff has been told to keep a close watch at entry points,” said a spokesperson for Hotel Leela Palaces.

US, UK caution citizens

The US and UK have issued cautionary notes to its citizens visiting India.

“There is a high threat from terrorism throughout India. Terrorists have targeted places in the past which westerners are known to visit including public places such as restaurants, hotels, railway stations, markets, places of worship and sporting venues. No foreign nationals are reported to have been among the casualties in the blasts on Wednesday,” said the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in a travel advice for India.

Meanwhile, the US Embassy acknowledged the blasts and told its citizens to exercise caution. “At this time, there is no reason to suspect that US citizens were the target of the attacks, and there are no reports of US citizens killed or injured as a result of these attacks. Our security posture remains vigilant. The US Mission in India again reminds US citizens to exercise prudence and continue to take active, personal responsibility for their security. We suggest that US citizens monitor news reports and follow the instructions of Indian authorities,” it said in a message to the US citizens.

Published on July 14, 2011 17:44