In yet another setback for India, yesterday’s Jama Masjid firing adds to the CWG Organising Committee’s list of woes. It is no longer the question of the stadia being ready on time, or the corruption shadow that follows the OC. It is the important question of safety. The Indian Mujahideen which claims responsibility for the Masjid firing threatens to unleash terror during the CWG. Can India provide security not only to the athletes but also to the many tourists that will descend on the Capital? Is India really prepared to host the Games?
Despite the setback, Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit assures the world that all is under control and that the attack will not affect the Games. She said,
“I am in constant touch with the Police Commissioner. The police are investigating into the incident and culprits will be caught. Everything is under control. An incident like this is something worrying but nothing to panic about.”
Stepping up security, vehicles are banned from parking outside the CWG venues and other iconic buildings in the city. Also, the CRPF will keep their hi-tech ambulances available at the Games venuesshould the need for emergencies arise.
Meanwhile, countries around the world issue advisories to its citizens traveling to India. New Zealand, who’d come to India on a security check just last week and were satisfied with the arrangements, has had to reassess it post the firing. And besides NZ, Australia, US and UK too alerts their citizens.
But the positive aspect of all this is that participating countries aren’t pulling out, just yet. The England Commonwealth Games Committee assured their participation and said that the firing isn’t related to the Games. New Zealand’s sports fraternity too advises the country’s athletes to be a part of the Games.
No comments:
Post a Comment