Security tightened for India-England ODI in Guwahati

Guwahati, Nov 17 (UNI) With less than a fortnight left for the 6th India-England ODI here, police have thrown an unprecedented security net around the entire city, especially with the two teams' arrival date coinciding with the outlawed ULFA's 'Protest Day'.

The teams will arrive in the city for their penultimate tie to the seven-match series on November 27, two days prior to the match.

The banned ULFA, the largest insurgent outfit of the state, observes the day as 'Protest Day' every year as security forces had launched the first-ever massive operation against the outfit on November 27 in the 80s.

''The teams' arrival coincide with the 'Protest Day' and we are ensuring that foolproof security is provided. We are confident of thwarting any sabotage attempt,'' DSP (SB) Jayshree Khersa said.

The serial bomb blasts of October 30, which left 87 dead and over 800 injured, in the state had already cast apprehensions over the ODI, though the BCCI was quick in stating that no change in venue was likely.

Ms Khersa informed that the entire city would be 'shielded' during the time the teams are here, with special checking and patrolling at all entry points and inside the city already in place.

From the top officials to the Village Defence Parties in suburban Guwahati, all have been alerted, she added.

Traffic movement near the hotels where the teams will stay and the stadium will also be regulated, with all roads to the stadium to be blocked for vehicles during the match day on November 29. Vehicles entry to the Nehru Stadium where the match will be played has already been restricted, with sniffer dogs and metal detectors pressed into action in and around the stadium. Grounds men are also being thoroughly checked and their credentials being verified before allowing entry.

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