Securitymen ogling athletes,complain countries

The Indian government is red-faced with many foreign missions raising the issue of security personnel “ogling” at women athletes inside the Games Village and venues across the city. Interestingly,the issue was raised at the International Security Liaison Group (ISLG) which meets at the Claridges Hotel every morning to discuss security-related issues.

Officials from the Home Ministry,Intelligence Bureau,Delhi Police,paramilitary forces and NSG,who attended the meeting,were embarrassed as the issue was raised. Sources said the Indian officials assured the missions that they will sensitise the security personnel on the ground. Most complaints are about those deployed near the Village swimming pool and the gymnastics arena,as well as the Indira Gandhi Stadium and the SP Mukherjee Swimming Complex.

The security liaison officers of the 54 missions who attend the ISLG meetings have,however,been appreciative of the behaviour of the volunteers,saying they were “well-behaved and extremely helpful”.

Sources said the group also took up the matter of easing restrictions on athletes and officials carrying “restricted items”. They will now be allowed to carry backpacks,gels and certain sharp objects,otherwise not permitted inside the venues.

Meanwhile,officials said athletes from Pakistan have been allowed to visit Agra,though they don’t have a visa for the city,after their High Commission raised the issue with the group. The MHA has now made concessions for those with the Games accreditation.