HOLIDAY SECURITY PLANNING EAC - KOLKATA

UNCLAS KOLKATA 000350

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPT FOR DS, D, P, M, CA, S/CT, INR, DS/RD/SCA, DS/TIA/ITA AND

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC PTER CASC
SUBJECT: HOLIDAY SECURITY PLANNING EAC - KOLKATA

REF: STATE 129801


1. (U) On December 23, 2008, the Consul General chaired a
meeting of Consulate General Kolkata's Emergency Action
Committee (EAC) to review Post's current security posture and
holiday security planning. In attendance were representatives
from CLO, CONS, FCS, MGMT, PAO, POL and RSO.


2. (SBU) RSO reported the recent increase in Post's Indigenous
Terrorism rating from medium to high plus, but noted the absence
of any credible or specific threat information. RSO contacted
the police and five luxury hotels located in Kolkata for an
update on their holiday security planning. The police reported
that the normal contingent of security personnel deployed at the
Consulate General, American Center, and across the city would be
augmented for increased security. The hotels confirmed that
additional restrictive security measures would be implemented
during their planned New Year's Eve celebrations.


3. (SBU) The Commissioner of the Kolkata Police noted the
absence of specific threat information; however, he stated that
the city would be placed on high alert starting on December 24
and extending through the New Year. The police are planning
increased security measures at numerous sites in Kolkata where
mass gatherings of the public are expected to occur, along mass
transit systems, as well as at tourist venues, the airport, and
at the luxury hotels.


4. (SBU) The EAC reviewed the Mission's recent Travel Alert;
the schedules and assigned housing for Post's TDY and official
visitors; and Post's calendar of scheduled events, noting that
only a few low-profile CLO activities would occur over the
holidays. The EAC also considered the security at the Kolkata
American School, which is collocated with the Consulate. The
EAC noted the expected whereabouts of the American staff and
reviewed Post's staffing levels to ensure adequate coverage of
responsibilities during a crisis.


5. (SBU) The EAC agreed to implement the following additional
security measures:

-- Issue Post's long-term TDY staff temporary mobile phones for
emergencies.

-- Remind American staff to update Travel Locator when traveling
for both official and unofficial travel.

-- Release a holiday security notice reminding all staff to
exercise caution, to remain vigilant, to assess their individual
holiday plans, and to immediately report any suspicious activity
observed to the RSO.


6. (U) Post will continue to monitor the local security
environment and take additional measures, as necessary, to
ensure the safety and security of the private and official
American communities in Kolkata.

PAYNE