Mohali designs unprecedented security cordon

Unprecedented security arrangements have been made for the Indian and English cricket teams who are scheduled to reach the city on Tuesday evening for the second test match of the series starting Friday.

Unprecedented security arrangements have been made for the Indian and English cricket teams who are scheduled to reach the city on Tuesday evening for the second test match of the series starting Friday. More than 400 security personnel, including commandos and paramilitary force, would be deployed for the visitors at Hotel Taj where the teams would stay.

8220;There will be a three-tier security level for the teams in which the outer circle would be under the paramilitary force and the inner two under control of the police. Three gazetted police officers, each for Indian and English teams and one for the security of Hotel Taj, would be deployed. The innermost circle would consist of police officers with assault weapons,8221; said Assistant Superintendent of Police ASP Madhur Verma.

Sources did not rule out the possibility of imposing some restrictions on the cricketers wherein they would not be allowed to move outside the hotel . 8220;If they have to, they will talk to the security officer deputed with their team. The officer would take permission from senior police officers before sanctioning the movement of any of the team members,8221; added Verma.

The cavalcade of the team would consist of nearly 10 vehicles, including two Light Machine Gun LMG-mounted vehicles. A spare bus would also be included in the cavalcade. 8220;If any of the buses develop a snag, the team would be shifted to the spare bus,8221; the ASP said.

Five routes will be chalked out for the movement of the teams and the choice of the route will be the discretion of the security officer.

Sources at the hotel said a floor would be reserved for the team members and both the teams would be adjusted on one or two floors only.

8220;No other visitor other than the team members would be provided with a room to stay on that floor,8221; sources said.

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The movement of traffic on the roads leading to the hotel would be restricted with special checkposts to be installed on the routes. The parking area of the hotel has already been sensitised.

8220;The visitors staying in the hotel will be allowed to park their vehicles inside the premises. The private security guards of the hotel with Quick Reaction teams of the Chandigarh Police would check each and every car minutely before allowing it to enter the parking area. Those visiting the restaurant and lounge would be asked to park their vehicles outside the hotel,8221; said one of the security officials.

Foreigners not checking-in due to security concerns

Contrary to previous matches, this time there were no queries for hotel bookings from foreign cricket fans for the Mohali test match, said a leading hotelier on condition of anonymity.

8220;Usually we get bookings from foreign guests at least a month before the matches but this time the state of affairs appear totally different and disgusting,8221; said the hotelier who attributed security concerns for the trend. 8220;In the view of the serious security threat perceptions, how can the ordinary spectators, particularly foreigners, feel safe after the recent terror strikes in Mumbai,8221; concluded the hotelier.

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Three-tier security
Restricted movement on roads leading to hotel
Cavalcade of ten vehicles including two LMG-mounted vehicles and a spare bus
Players not to be allowed to move out of the hotel
Over 400 personnel to provide blanket security
Three gazetted officers to be on duty with one each for the Indian and English teams and the other as camp commander at Hotel Taj
Any of the five routes could be used for the movement