The Hindu : Sport : Tight security for National Games

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jan 10, 2007
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Sport - Sports : General

Tight security for National Games

Special Correspondent

KOLKATA: Ever since 1983 when Guwahati hosted the first One-Day International cricket match between India and the West Indies, security has been one of the most talked about subjects. That match was played under unprecedented security.

Since then, the city, known as the Gateway to North East, has been in the grip of stifling security during all the major sporting events.

The 33rd National Games, to be organised at Guwahati from February 9 to 18, will also witness tight security.

Speaking to a group of visiting newspersons on a tour of Games venues, V.S. Bhaskar, Secretary-General (organisation) of the Games, pointed out that every effort would be made to ensure safety of all those involved with the Games.

"There will be no half measures when it comes to security,'' he said. "All efforts would be made to see that the athletes, officials, media and the others are not put to any kind of inconvenience," he added.

Apart from the usual metal and bomb detectors, frisking and baggage checking would be done at all entry points. Security personnel would be on standby to tackle any eventuality.

The Secretary-General explained that these elaborate security measures had been planned to deter adventurism rather than frighten those involved with the Games.

All venues and complexes would be manned by 200 armed men round the clock. Apart from them, there would be a number of plainclothes men and women among the spectators.

A command, headed by an Inspector General, would be in charge of security inside and outside the stadia.

The venues have already been placed under tight security with a Deputy Superintendent of Police rank officer in charge for 24 hours.

Jawans, with semi-automatic weapons, are providing protection to the workers at the construction sites, deterring the curious onlookers who venture close to the area.

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