The Hindu : High security in Karachi for today's match

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Mar 13, 2004

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High security in Karachi for today's match

KARACHI, MARCH 12. There was unprecedented security here today as the Indian cricket team arrived for the first One-Day International tomorrow in its first full tour of Pakistan in 14 years.

Hundreds of policemen were on maximum alert when a plane carrying the players landed at the Karachi International Airport. Officials garlanded the players and gave them traditional gifts.

About 500 police commandos escorted the team members to their hotel in Karachi, a city that has seen a string of terrorists attacks in recent years.

Though no terrorist organisation has issued any threat to the Indian team, officials in Pakistan say they are taking no chances.

More than 5,000 policemen and 1,500 paramilitary rangers have been deployed in and around the National Stadium, where the first of the five limited-overs matches will be played tomorrow. "We have made all arrangements to handle any situation," said Tariq Jamil, police chief in Karachi. He said police and paramilitary rangers were on "maximum alert."

Police have stepped up security at many important places and intersections. All roads leading to the stadium and a hotel where the Indian players and other foreign tourists are staying are being monitored.

"Police in helicopters are carrying out aerial surveillance," Mr. Jamil said.

``The match venue is also being monitored through surveillance cameras."

Many countries have been avoiding sending their cricket teams to Karachi since a May 2002 suicide attack on a bus outside a hotel that killed 11 French engineers.

International cricket has started returning to Karachi mainly because of an improved law and order situation, and the people are excited about this. Various organisations have displayed banners, including one that said: "We happily welcome the Indian team."

— AP

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