New Delhi, July 29 (IANS) With terror outfits threatening to target India’s showpiece Commonwealth Games, authorities Thursday gave a preview of the stringent security arrangements in place for the participating nations, including Pakistan.
Security heads of 31 nations visited the venues and the Commonwealth Games Village for a first-hand experience of the four-tier security arrangement that would be in place for the fortnight-long event starting Oct 3.
They toured the newly-constructed Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, venue for the opening and closing ceremonies, an official said.
They also visited the Games Village on the Yamuna bank where the participants will be put up. They were given a demonstration of the overall security grid.
Pakistani terrorists in February warned athletes they would have to ‘face the consequences’ if they visited India for the Games.
The warning was issued by Illyas Kashmiri, a former Pakistani commando whose 313 Brigade is an operational arm of Al Qaeda, which has vowed to continue targeting foreigners in India.
However, Indian authorities claim there was no credible threat to the event and said they have prepared a ‘fool-proof’ security arrangement.
The visiting delegation is yet to give its official feedback, but according to sources, they were ‘satisfied’ with the arrangements.
The team was also shown how spectators would be frisked and vehicles checked to keep potential terror threats at bay. Mock rescue and evacuation drills were also conducted.
Over 10,000 athletes from 71 countries are expected to take part in the Games which will be watched by some 500,000 spectators.
Every venue will have a tight four-layer security ring around it and special arrangements would be in place to transport athletes to and from the Games Village in buses.
Each of the over 570 vehicles used for ferrying athletes will have to undergo an anti-sabotage clearance every morning before picking up athletes.
Thursday’s security review will be followed by a final clearance by top home ministry officials Aug 15.
