India regrets England pullout,calls it ‘over-reaction’

“The security arrangements in Hyderabad are good and the Government of India is committed to ensure the complete security of all competitors and the championship,” he added.

Minister of state for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor said,”we do regret the way one feels that they (England) cannot be safe in India. Our strong view is that all the foreign players should feel welcome and feel safe,” he said.

External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vishnu Prakash said “All precautions have been taken. All necessary and adequate security measures are in place. There is no cause for concern.”

India is in touch with participating nations with regard to the security and other aspects,he said.

The spokesman said India would have liked England to participate in the tourney.

The Badminton World Federation(BWF) also described India’s action as unfortunate and shared India’s assessment.

“There is no specific threat to championship from anywhere. But of course the English team felt otherwise. It is unfortunate but we should respect their decision,” BWF’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) Thomas Lund said in Hyderabad,the venue for the championship.

Hyderabad Commissioner of Police Prabhakar Reddy said “The (LeT) threat is just a perception but our preparedness is water-tight and we are confident. There are some measures which are visible and some which are invisible,” he said.