Govt to scrap function for torch, step up security

In no mood to take any chances when the Beijing Olympic torch is in Delhi on April 17...

In no mood to take any chances when the Beijing Olympic torch is in Delhi on April 17, the Government has decided to do away with the function that was earlier planned as part of the torch run. The torch would be carried by eminent personalities from Vijay Chowk to India Gate, where it would be handed over to organisers after a brief ceremony, official sources said.

The latest move is being seen as an attempt to prevent protests like the ones witnessed in London and Paris over the past few days.

The original route in New Delhi has already been cut short after Chinese apprehensions about Tibetan protests. The initial plan was that the torch would be taken from Red Fort to India Gate. But the route was curtailed to barely 3 kilometres along the Rajpath after a meeting held on April 3 by National Security Advisor M K Narayanan reviewed the security scenario. It was felt that the Rajpath route would be easier to secure against potential protests.

A Chinese security team is expected to assist the local police in planning the arrangements that need to be put in place, but officials continued to be tightlipped on their exact role. The Chinese are also believed to be coordinating security arrangements in several other countries that the torch will be passing through and where protests are likely.

Security along the torch route will be tight, with nearly 2,500 personnel expected to be deployed. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) will provide about 1,000 personnel for deployment. Crack commandos are also expected to man the route to foil any attempt to disrupt the torch run.

The CRPF personnel have been provided at the request of the Delhi Police, which is responsible for the overall security arrangements for the event. “Personnel of the paramilitary force will be at the disposal of the Delhi Police for the duration of the event,” an official said.

A large contingent of representatives from the Olympic organising committee and Chinese security personnel will be here for the event. They are likely to stay at a luxury hotel close to the event venue.

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The torch relay for the 2004 Athens Olympics was from the Qutub Minar to National Stadium, touching several landmarks and traveling over 30 km.

China has been expressing concern over the safe passage of the Olympic torch after Tibetan protesters stormed the Chinese Embassy here. The Chinese Foreign Office had summoned Indian Ambassador Nirupama Rao past midnight to convey its displeasure over the incident. The Chinese Ambassador here had later met Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil over the issue of security at the embassy and other Chinese establishments.