Foreign tourists say they are not worried

Foreigners may have been the targets of Mumbai’s terror attacks, but this has not deterred the spirits of the tourists in New Delhi, reports Tanya Ashreena.

Foreigners may have been the targets of Mumbai’s terror attacks, but this has not deterred the spirits of the tourists in the Capital.

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Dani Magni, an Italian tourist who had been staying at The Grand, Paharganj, was seen walking out her hotel and being helped with her luggage inside an auto by a porter. When asked if she was leaving because of the terror attacks, Dani laughed. “No, I am not leaving India. I had scheduled to leave Delhi for Rishikesh today much before, and I am doing just that. In fact I got to know about the attacks only at 9 in the morning. I am not scared, as I know I will be safe in Rishikesh. My parents and sister, however, are worried, and they keep ringing me up,” she said.

Her sentiment was shared by Israeli tourist Noah Cohen. In spite of many Israelis being among those held hostage by terrorists, Noah said terrorism did not affect him.

“In Israel, terror is a daily occurrence. So when we come to India we do not feel scared, as we are used to it. Moreover, having served in the army, I have learnt to accept death. It can be anytime anywhere. If India, then be it,” he said.

American tourist, Ellen Mennel, staying at Paharganj’s Hotel Legend complained security in Indian hotels was lax. “I was in New York during 9/11. After the WTC attacks, security not only in New York, but all over the US was heightened. But I do not see that happening here,” she said.

There were no metal detectors or surveillance cameras to check those entering and exiting hotels, she added.

Sonia Hickey and Emily Parrett from London said they were not cancelling their trip to Mumbai next week, despite the fact that British passport holders had been singled out.

“We do not need to worry, as we will be staying at really cheap hotels,” Emily joked, while Sonia added, “These things do not happen every day.”