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India condemns assassination bid on Musharraf

IRNA

New Delhi, Dec 26, IRNA -- India strongly condemned the second 
assassination bid on Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf 
Thursday amid mounting security concern among the planners for India`s
Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee`s forthcoming SAARC visit to 
Islamabad. 
"The Government of India strongly condemns the heinous terrorist 
attack against President Pervez Musharraf in Rawalpindi earlier 
Thursday which took many innocent lives and injured a large number of 
civilians. We convey our heartfelt condolences to the families of the 
casualties," a statement released by India`s Ministry of External 
Affairs said. 
According to local press reports on Friday, while the reaction is 
sharp but short, there is a growing acknowledgement in South Block of 
the threat to Musharraf from militants. Alarmed after two attempts, 
the first one on December 14-which New Delhi had equally condemned. 
The Government is reviewing security preparations for Vajpayee`s trip.
The daring nature of the attack-the fact that the bombers tried to
ram their explosive-laden cars into the President`s cavalcade-is of 
particular concern. India condemns attack, wary of pre-Saarc security 
What has intrigued planners here is that both attacks took place in
Rawalpindi, the general headquarters of the Pakistan Army. 
The X Corps, which looks after the defence of Pakistan controlled 
Kashmir (PoK), is also based in Rawalpindi and its 101 brigade, also 
called the coup brigade, is responsible for security. 
Given the enhanced security threat to Musharraf, New Delhi is 
seriously thinking of airlifting Vajpayee`s bullet-proof BMW along 
with electronic jammer vehicles to Islamabad. 
Currently, the Vajpayee`s car is surrounded by four jammer 
vehicles and followed by an ambulance. According to Indian Defense 
Ministry, the Indian Air Force has been sounded for airlift but the 
final decision is still to be taken. 
Normally, around a 30-member strong Special Protection Group (SPG)
team accompanies Vajpayee on a foreign trip with close protection team
guarding the PM round the clock. 
It is understood that the Pakistanis offered a bullet-proof car to
PM`s family members in case they were planning to travel to Islamabad.
It is now learnt that Vajpayee`s family members may not travel with 
him to the summit. 
/211 
End