In response to a media query on Indian news media reports today that a member of the Singapore High Commission had been caught trying to smuggle a firearm past security at the Ashoka hotel in New Delhi, the MFA Spokesman said:
"There is no truth in this fanciful tale. The facts are mundane and are as follows. A Singapore police officer on duty as part of our security team was carrying a firearm which had been properly authorised by the Indian authorities. At the hotel's security checkpoint, the Singapore police officer had voluntarily declared to the Indian security personnel that he was carrying a firearm. He was told that he was not permitted to carry his firearm into the hotel. He then handed his firearm to another member of the Singapore Police force and entered the hotel while his colleague remained outside. "
Asked how the story arose, the MFA Spokesman said "I have absolutely no idea, but obviously hyper-active imaginations were at work". He stressed that the Singapore police officers had obtained the necessary permits and clearances for carrying firearms, and had complied with all the rules and procedures of the Indian authorities. The Spokesman went on to say that the Singapore High Commission in New Delhi had raised the erroneous report with the Indian security agencies which had acknowledged that no breach of security had occurred and that they had full confidence in Singapore. "As far as we are concerned this is a non-incident and the matter is closed", the Spokesman said.
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
4 OCTOBER 2010