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