Resolving security problems for the Commonwealth Games in India
With problems associated with the Commonwealth Games hitting the headlines on a daily basis, the Indian government has suddenly claimed without any proof that security for the high profile sporting event will be foolproof and world class. The claim has already raised eye-brows amongst a number of countries because it has not been supported by logical reasons.
Security remains the real concern for all sporting events in the subcontinent, given the volatile situation in the region. Hence, the organisers do not want to take any risk whatsoever which might jeopardize the event.
The Games are set to run for 12 days, with more than ten thousands athletes taking part in the event. Along with that, at least a million fans are expected to converge at the venue of the Games in New Delhi.
According to the Special Commissioner of the Delhi Police Neeraj Kumar, all the requisite plans are in place and security would be absolutely world class throughout the duration of the Games that will see athletes coming from 71 countries taking part in the festivities.
The security arrangements were finalized after a meeting that was held in New Delhi which included representatives of the participating countries who took keen interest in the security procedures in place.
Neeraj Kumar and some of the senior officers in Delhi Police addressed the second International Security Administrators Conference held to review the security arrangements for the huge number of athletes and fans that are going to be in the country for a fortnight.
The meeting was attended by representatives of 105 members from a total of 19 countries that are going to take part in the event.
"Security arrangements are being made in right direction and during the (Commonwealth) Games the security will be fool proof. In this meeting, totally 105 members participated from 19 countries," said Neeraj Kumar, Special Commissioner of Delhi Police (Admin).
Interestingly, Kumar claims that the Games have not received any threats, which is surprising, given the profile of the event and the evident security threats in the region.
Kumar added that regardless of the threats, the preparations have been world class which can tackle any eventuality.
Kumar feels that no risks ought to be taken with regards to security, and that the local police have done their all to ensure that nothing untoward happens during the 12-day event.
The police department feels that they have covered all areas of eminent threats and have the confidence of pulling off a flawless event.
"Till today, we have not received any specific threat. But keeping in mind the security conditions in the world and especially in south Asia, all precautions have been taken," added Neeraj Kumar.
Meanwhile, the Indian government is keen to project a positive image of the country courtesy of the mega event. They hope that by delivering a world class event, the country would put its name forward as a contender for the Olympics which is the premier sporting event staged after every four years.
India previously hosted the Asian Games in 1982.
Moreover, he Indian cricket Board is all set to co-host the fifty over World Cup along with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh 2011. If all these events are held without any major security problems, the country may push for more high profile global events in the near future.
The 12-day sporting extravaganza would take place between the 3rd to the 14th of October and is set to capture the imagination of billions of Indians across the country.
Tags: