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USIS Washington 
File

27 November 1998

TEXT: STATE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCEMENT ON INDIA NOVEMBER 27, 1998

(Al-Umma group threatens violence in Tamil Nadu Dec. 6)  (330)



Washington -- The State Department Spokesman, in a public announcement
on India November 27, said "the Al-Umma group, allegedly responsible
for the February 1998 bombings in Coimbatore that killed 46, has
threatened violent actions in the state of Tamil Nadu on December 6,
the anniversary of the 1992 destruction of the Babri Mosque in Uttar
Pradesh.


"Threats are reported to include the killing of senior Indian
government officials and destruction of unspecified multi-story
buildings," the written statement said.


"While the threat does not appear to be targeted at U.S. interests,"
the State Department said, "American citizens resident in south India
as well as American citizens traveling in that region should be alert
to the potential for violence and/or civil disorder on and around
December 6. Americans should avoid mass gatherings at that time and be
alert to their surroundings."


Following is the State Department text:



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PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Office of the Spokesman

November 27, 1998



INDIA



The Al-Umma group, allegedly responsible for the February 1998
bombings in Coimbatore that killed 46, has threatened violent actions
in the state of Tamil Nadu on December 6, the anniversary of the 1992
destruction of the Babri Mosque in Uttar Pradesh. Threats are reported
to include the killing of senior Indian government officials and
destruction of unspecified multi-story buildings.


While the threat does not appear to be targeted at U.S. interests,
American citizens resident in south India as well as American citizens
traveling in that region should be alert to the potential for violence
and/or civil disorder on and around December 6. Americans should avoid
mass gatherings at that time and be alert to their surroundings.


For further information about travel to India, please consult the
Department of State's latest Consular Information Sheet on India.


This Public Announcement expires December 31, 1998.



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