Tight security for Powell

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, OCT. 15. A tight security cover will be provided to the U.S. Secretary of State, Gen. Colin Powell, who arrives in New Delhi tomorrow. His itinerary has been kept a secret for security reasons.

Sources said Gen. Powell is scheduled to arrive with his entourage at 5.30 p.m. on board a U.S. Air Force plane. The entourage will be escorted by commandos to the Maurya Sheraton Hotel where regular security checks are being carried out.

``Adequate security arrangements have been made for his visit,'' said the Special Commissioner of Police (Security and Operations), Mr. R.S. Gupta.

The security at the airport has been planned by the National Security Guard commandos in co-ordination with the Delhi police. ``Gen. Powell's itinerary will only be available to select officers who have been assigned to monitor the arrangement. But last-minute changes cannot be ruled out,'' said a senior police officer.

Meanwhile, security in the Chanakyapuri area - which houses 54 embassies - has been reviewed and certain changes carried out to guard against any terrorist strike. Fencing has been done on the boundaries of some embassies.

Gen. Powell is scheduled to take off from Delhi around 3.30 p.m. on Wednesday after a meeting with the Prime Minister, Mr. A.B. Vajpayee, and other leaders.

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