Claridges is new Games security hub

For nearly a year now,security officers from the UK,Australia,Canada,New Zealand and India have been meeting to share intelligence in the run-up to the Commonwealth Games.

The group the International Security Liaison Group (ISLG)-has so far met on a monthly basis. With the Games less than a month away,the frequency of meetings is likely to go up to twice a week.

Beginning September 15,the ISLG is expected to convene at The Claridges in central Delhi,in a portion of the hotel that is now being refurbished to serve as a hi-tech security hub.

It is understood that several rooms,briefing venues and a well-equipped control room are being set up at the hotel under the supervision of the Intelligence Bureau and the Delhi Police. A special director of the IB now chairs the meetings of the ISLG. The idea,said a senior government official,is for India to progressively satisfy the concerns of member countries over security threats to individual contingents,and the preparedness of Indian intelligence agencies.

The Claridges will also be used as the International Security Liaison Centre (ISLC),accessible to nominated security experts from participating countries.

Security liaison officers from each of the 152 participating countries will be briefed daily in the hotel on the safety of the participants and on any aspect of the Games security that may crop up. In addition,participating countries may want to station another security expert in the Games Village,where the contingents will be staying, said a senior official.

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