Al Qaeda threat: Centre says security tightened for sporting events

The Centre today said security arrangements are being tightened for the sporting events, including the World Cup Hockey and the Commonwealth Games, coming up in Delhi.

The assertion comes in the wake of a threat issued by top al Qaeda terrorist commander Ilyas Kashmi warning the international community not to send their people to the 2010 Hockey World Cup, the Indian Premier League and the Commonwealth Games. Home Secretary G K Pillai said adequate security arrangements have been made for the events. ''We are in close touch with the managements of the participating teams. So far they have seen our preparations and are satisfied by the measures that are being taken by the Home Affairs Ministry and the Delhi police.

There is a well-rehearsed drill in place.'' Elaborate security arrangements for the World Cup Hockey, beginning from February 28 have been put in place. The Ministry decided to review the security measures for the Commonwealth Games and the Indian Premier League in view of the blast in the German Bakery in Pune's posh Koregaon Park, which killed nine people.