Govt alleviates concerns over team's safety Tuesday, August 15 2006 12:17 Hrs (IST) - World Time -
New Delhi:
Seeking to allay concerns over safety of the Indian cricket team in Sri Lanka in the wake of bomb blast there, government today (15 Aug, 2006) says adequate security measures will be put in place, as the squad's protection is a 'very high priority'.
The security of the Indian cricketers is expected to be reviewed and bulletproof cars and escorts will be provided to them during their travel and stay.
New Delhi condemns the 'terrorist' attack targeting a diplomatic convoy while expressing concern over the developments in the neighbouring Island nation.
"I can assure that security of Indian cricket team is a very high priority," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna tells sources here hours after a powerful bomb exploded in Colombo close to the hotel in which the Rahul Dravid-led squad is staying.
The players were in their rooms in Hotel Taj Samudra when the blast occurred about three km away from there.
The Sri Lankan Government has promised to do its best to provide foolproof security to the Indian team, Home Secretary V K Duggal says after meeting with Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran.
Reports suggest that Pakistan's High Commissioner to Sri Lanka is the target of the attack as the envoy's vehicle was passing by at that time but he escaped unhurt.
"We deplore targeting of diplomatic convoy (in Colombo) by terrorist elements. We hope such terrorist incidents and attacks will not be repeated and security will be (measures) implemented," Sarna says.