Fool-proof security for Games: Gogoi

BY OUR STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI, Feb 2: With only three days left for the 12th South Asian Games to begin, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today said that a fool-proof security system has been put in place to ensure smooth conduct of the Games.

The Chief Minister’s statement came close on the heels of the review meeting he had on Monday with army, police, para-military forces, intelligence agencies and sports administrators at Assam Administrative Staff College to discuss the progress of the last minute preparations including security.

Gogoi said, “The government has arranged fool-proof security for sportspersons as well as spectators for the smooth conduct of the games”. He also appealed to the people of Assam to receive the sportspersons and administrators who will be coming from eight South Asian countries to spread camaraderie and forge friendly relations, so that they cherish the warm hospitality of Assam later on.

Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police of Guwahati, Mukesh Agarwala on Tuesday briefed the media on the security scerio and said that it has been drawn ensuring that players and officials in the Games do not face any harassment.

“The security blanket has been divided into 26 sectors and topmost priority is being given to all the venues and hotels,” Agarwala said.

He further said that around 90 hotels, guest houses and resorts will be used for the SAF Games and security personnel in plain clothes and heavily armed guards will be deployed in every vicinity for 24 hours round the clock during the period.

“The same level of security will be in place for the venues and a Superintendent of Police will look after the arrangements in the venues,” the Commissioner added.

It may be mentioned that apart from the Dial 100 helpline number three more helpline numbers have been activated in view of the games- 0361-2601879, 9531288130/1.

Agarwala also informed a helpdesk has been set up at Byrnihat in Meghalaya in collaboration with the Meghalaya police.

The commissioner also added that vehicles carrying game officials and players will be given priority during traffic movement. Additiol 500 traffic officials have been deployed in the city to control traffic movement during the time of SAF Games.

“Keeping in view the security scerio, crowds who will go to games venues are requested only to carry mobile phone, baby food and medicines as no other items will be allowed to take inside the venues,” the commissioner added.

He also briefed the media that the communication network, fire brigade service and the disaster magement teams are coorditing in best possible way to ensure smooth functioning at time of distress.