US consulate resumes visa operations

A consulate spokesperson said more than 1,100 applicants visited the office for their US visa appointments. This included the people whose appointments had been rescheduled last week following a wave of protests against an American film allegedly denigrating Islam.

"We continue to ensure the safety and security of our staff," the spokesperson said, without elaborating, when asked about the security measures put in place.

The anti-Islam film had sparked violent protests against the US the world over and the consulate here had come under attack on September 14 when a protest turned violent after protestors pelted stones at the consulate.

 

Week-long protests by Islamic groups had forced the consulate to cancel its visa appointments through the week, rescheduling them from Monday onwards.

Meanwhile, police has stepped up security to the consulate.