Indian Parliament adjourned over security threat
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2005-12-16 15:43

Following a tip-off from the Intelligence on security threat, both Houses of the Indian Parliament were adjourned at 11:45 a.m.in New Delhi on Friday.

It is reported that an e-mail from American Embassy alerted the Indian Intelligence on some unidentified baggage lying in the Parliament premises. It was stated that it could trigger off a bomb.

The Houses were adjourned and security forces immediately got on their toes. Bomb disposal squads and special protection group officials were pressed into service. Sniffer dogs were being used to place the baggage.

Entire area around the Parliament was sealed. Only senior government official and policemen were allowed at the parliament.

Speaking to New Delhi Television (NDTV) India, American Embassy Press secretary David said that they would cooperate fully with the Indian government on issues related to government security. However, he refused to discuss the issue in detail in public.

The Indian parliament had suffered an attack on December 13, 2001, and the Indian officials did not want to take any chance this time.

Meanwhile, Indian Home Minister Shivraj Patil said everything will be allright. All MPs and the Prime Minister are safe and the situation is under control. Also, the Parliament is expected to resume work later in the day.