In the wake of Hyderabad blasts and subsequent intelligence inputs that the main venue of the World Military Games was on terror groups target, security for the international event was reviewed here today taking into account all possible scenarios.
New Delhi, Sept 3 : In the wake of Hyderabad blasts and subsequent intelligence inputs that the main venue of the World Military Games was on terror group's target, security for the international event was reviewed here today taking into account all 'possible scenarios'.
A staggering presence of close to 25000 security personnel- both military, paramilitary and police, will be deployed in the city during the Games, which are scheduled to be held between October 14 to October 21.Vice Chief of Army, Lt. General Deepak Kapoor, attended the high-level meeting where State Sports Minister, Director General of Police of Andhra Pradesh and officials belonging to Union Home Ministry, Intelligence Bureau and External Affairs Minister were also present.
Representatives of the Conseil International du Sport Militaire's (CISM), the international governing body for the Games, had reviewed the security preparedness on August 23, two days before the serial blasts, and had then expressed their satisfaction with the arrangements.
After the blasts, the Defence Ministry and the Army are constantly monitoring the situation and has decided not to bring any big change in the schedule of the Games.
One of the four people arrested in connection with the August 25 twin blasts in Hyderabad , have revealed during his narco-analysis test that their terror cell was planning to carry out more attacks in the city, including the main venue of the World Military Games.
The group members, linked with the Bangladesh terror outfit HUJI, had visited the Gachi Bowli stadium, the main Stadium where the opening and closing ceremony of the Games will be held, to plan their attack.
During the test, suspect Nayeem told investigating officers that 10 kilograms of RDX was smuggled into Hyderabad to carry out a series of attack.
In today's meeting Andhra Government assured the Defence Ministry all possible help to provide blanket cover security for 4581 athletes and officials of the 89 countries who are expected to participate in the weeklong event.
17,400 security personnel from the Andhra Pradesh State Police and 2600 home guards will add to the large security force contingent, apart from an elite group of military personnel who will form the innermost security cordon to provide security for the athletes.
However, the Andhra Police will work on 'specific' measures adopted for the Games only after the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations since the security will be more tightened for this year's festival.
Out of the 4581 military personnel attending the Games, 3006 are athletes (2272 men and 734 women) and 1575 team officials. This does not include the 1300 technical officials who along with the organizing committee members add up to a sizable sum.
President Pratibha Patil will inaugurate the Games and Vice President Hamid Ansari will be the chief guest during the closing ceremony.
ANI