Mobile jammers likely at Games venues

Parliament-level security is likely to be provided for Commonwealth Games venues in the face of terror threats. The Centre is now looking at installing mobile phone jammers at Games venues to ensure high-level security. The move comes following an advisory by Punjab police that Babbar Khalsa militants may try and target the Games.

Sources said the step was being considered in view of threats to the fortnight-long sporting extravaganza from terrorist groups which may try to use mobile phones to trigger explosives as they have done on several occasions in the past.

Even as sources within the government said there were no credible threats so far, US thinktank STRATFOR earlier this month warned that Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba might be planning attacks during the Commonwealth Games.

Home secretary G K Pillai had visited Jawaharlal Nehru stadium last week and follow-up visits are on the anvil to ensure that security is foolproof for the event.

Each of the 13 competition venues will have a three-tier security ring and special arrangements will be made to transport athletes to and from the Games Village with helicopters carrying commando snipers keeping an 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 it.

The government has already sanctioned Rs 330 crore for procurement of high-tech weapons and gadgets, armoured vehicles, close-circuit television cameras, metal detectors, bomb disposal equipment and protective gear for chemical and biological attacks.

Over 10,000 athletes from 71 countries, and 500,000 spectators are expected in Delhi for the Commonwealth Games between October 3 and 14.