Representatives of 31 nations to take stock of CWG security

Security heads of 31 participating nations, including Pakistan, will take stock of the security in Commonwealth Games village and venues.

New Delhi: Security heads of 31 participating nations, including Pakistan, will tomorrow take stock of the security in Commonwealth Games village and venues where a four-layer protection will be provided during the fortnight-long mega sporting event here in October.

Eight heads of state have confirmed their participation while four more are expected to attend the Commonwealth Games for which, however, no credible terror threat has come yet. Live security demonstration will be given to the representatives of the Commonwealth countries tomorrow at the Games village at Yamuna Bank and Jawaharlal Nehru stadium where the opening and closing ceremonies will be held. "They will be shown four-layer security procedure, how to frisk spectators, check vehicles, foil possible terror strike and rescue and evacuation drills," an official said. Over 10,000 athletes from 71 countries and 500,000 spectators are expected to take part in the Games to be held from October 3-14.According to the security plan, athletes, officials and guests can visit the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium only by bus and no VIPs, except the heads of state, will be allowed to take their cars. Parking arrangement has been made for 150 buses in the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium. Each of the 13 competition venues for the Commonwealth Games will have a tight security ring and special arrangements will be made to transport the athletes to and from the Games village with helicopters carrying commando snipers keeping eye on the convoys below. This is to prevent a repeat of the Lahore attack of March 2009 in which militants shot at and injured Sri Lankan cricketers touring Pakistan.To ensure fleet security, each of the 574 vehicles used for ferrying athletes across the city will have to undergo a mandatory anti-sabotage clearance every morning before athletes board them. A final security review by top Home Ministry officials is expected to be conducted on August 15. PTI