New Delhi: Condemning the firing incident at Delhi's Jama Masjid on Sunday in which two foreign tourists were injured, Union Urban Development Minister S Jaipal Reddy has said that the incident would not affect the Commonwealth Games. Talking to reporters here, Reddy said: "That (the shootout) will have no impact whatsoever on the readiness of our people to present the Games. This incident will have no impact on the sportspersons who are scheduled to come. The Commonwealth Games Village , where they would be put up, will have very high level of protection." "We were always aware that the enemies of the nation would try to do something. It is a small incident...whatever it is, it is for every person in Delhi and visitor to be alert. We have mobilised sufficient security," he added. Chairman of the Commonwealth Organising Committee Suresh Kalmadi said he had spoken to many Commonwealth countries and nobody is worried. "It is not having any impact. We are all set for a great game," he added. Security has been tightened in the Capital ahead of the Games. India is expecting about two million tourists in New Delhi for the Games, as well as about 10,000 athletes from 71 teams representing 54 Commonwealth member states. The Commonwealth Games 2010 will be held from 3 to 14 October in New Delhi .
Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit paid a visit to the Lok Nayak Jayaprakash (LNJP) Hospital on Monday morning to inquire about the health and welfare of two Taiwanese tourists who had been shot at and injured near Gate No.3 of the Jama Masjid in the Walled City on Sunday. The hospital's medical superintendent and other senior doctors reportedly briefed Dikshit about
the victims' injuries and their present medical status. She urged medical staff
to provide the victims' with the best of care and to ensure their early recovery.
The injured Taiwanese - Zewei (40) and Chiang (38) are said to be out of danger.
On Sunday, Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram also visited the hospital to see two injured Taiwanese nationals. A red alert has been sounded in Delhi and Mumbai
following the shootout as the attack comes barely two weeks ahead of the Commonwealth Games to be held here between October 3 and 14. Security has been tightened around at least 400 'sensitive' sites in the wake of the incident. Orders have issued not to allow cars or other vehicles to be parked within 100 meters of these sites. Taking serious note of the Jama Masjid shooting incident the Home Ministry has reportedly sought a detailed report from the Delhi Police about it. Two persons riding a motorbike shot at the two Taiwanese who were traveling in a tourist bus. Police and witnesses said eight to ten rounds of fire were directed at the bus
before the attackers escaped. One of victims was injured in his skull and the
other in his abdomen. Delhi Police said that it is still questioning the eyewitnesses
in relation to the incident. Chief Minister Dikshit has urged the people not to
panic as proper security arrangements were being taken in the wake of the incident.
It couldn't be assumed at present that the attack was "a terrorist activity",
she added.
