It may be just a game of cricket, but check this out :
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Anti-aircraft guns out, IAF on call at Fortress Mohali
CHANDIGARH: Welcome to fortress Chandigarh, the city which, along with Mohali and Panchkula, resembles an armed garrison. With anti-aircraft guns placed strategically and Mohali declared a no-fly zone, no stone is being left unturned to secure the city before the prime ministers of India and Pakistan — along with a host of dignitaries from both countries — arrive for the India-Pakistan World Cup semifinal on Wednesday.
Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopters are on standby for air surveillance and fighter jets at Ambala are just a moment away from scrambling in case of emergency. Foolproof security is not confined to the multi-tier system that includes Special Protection Group (SPG), National Security Guard (NSG), and Central and state police forces. For, also roped in is the National Technical Research Organization (NTRO) — a highly specialized technical intelligence gathering agency under the National Security Adviser.
A high level source told TOI that NTRO is tasked with air surveillance and it`s expected to use Israeli-made unmanned air vehicles (UAVs). It`s further learned that NTRO`s Dehradun base is working behind the scenes. The UAVs are also capable of detecting airborne aggressors and were used during the Commonwealth Games. Wednesday`s match will be the first between the arch rivals on Indian soil after the 2008 Mumbai attacks by Pakistan-based terrorists.
Special teams of the SPG and NSG landed here on the Sunday to take charge of security. The Mohali stadium will be completely under the command and control of Central agencies from March 29 to 30. The main internal security mechanism will be in the hands of SPG. Pakistani security will coordinate with SPG.
Special teams of elite NSG commandos armed with Heckler & Koch 9mm MP-5 sub-machine guns, corner shot guns, Glock 17 or Sig Sauer pistols and poison-tipped knives, would take charge of the outer field. Some of these sophisticated weapons were purchased by the NSG following the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. The remaining layers of the security would be handled by Central and state police forces.
Snipers were deployed on Sunday on all high-rise buildings adjoining Hotel Taj-17, where players of both teams are staying. |
