Tight security cover for Indo-Pak ODI face-off

Kanpur, Oct 26 (UNI) Owing to the pronouncement of life terms on 15 persons guilty of killing 11 people here in the post Babri Masjid demolition violence on December 10, 1992, and recent terrorist acts in Pakistan, tight security arrangements are being made for the much awaited India-Pakistan One Day International (ODI) face off at the Green Park Stadium in the city.

Talking to UNI, a senior police official today said the pronouncement of life terms to 15 persons on October 24 has forced the department to beef up the security in and around the stadium precincts for the November 11 cricket match.

The recent threat to blow the Chakeri Airport here and terrorist acts in Pakistan had also left the security officials in a tizzy, he informed.

Meanwhile, SSP Rajiv Sabbarwal said taking cognizance of the asynchronous incidents, a security camp had been established at the Green Park Stadium, where police in strength would be depolyed around the clock vigil.

Besides, tight security would be maintained at the Landmark Hotel, where both the team members would stay, the SSP added.

Ahead of the Indo-Pak ODI, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) delegation had taken stock of the security arrangements at the stadium arena in September.

PCB Director Zakir Khan and Pakistan's Home Ministry official Sohail Khan had inspected the stadium. BCCI vice-president and UP Cricket Association (UPCA) secretary Rajiv Shukla had accompanied the PCB delegation.

Khan had claimed that during the previous Indo-Pak match here, Pakistani guests had to face a lot of inconvenience.

Meanwhile, the BCCI vice-president informed that almost 70 per cent arrangements had been completed for the much awaited Indo-Pak face off.

UNI