Date:16/04/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/16/stories/2008041658220100.htm

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Foolproof security arrangements for Olympic torch relay

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Ahead of the Olympic torch relay here on Thursday, the Home Ministry on Tuesday reviewed the security arrangements.

“All necessary arrangements are being made to ensure that the brief event passes off peacefully,” a Ministry spokesman told reporters after an hour-long meeting that was presided over by Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta.

Foolproof security, including deployment of commandos from the National Security Guards and paramilitary forces, would be in place along the torch route, he said.

The relay was reduced to 2.3 km on the well-secured Rajpath, access to which would be blocked by the police. Thousands of schoolchildren were likely to witness the event, sources in the Ministry said.

A mock drill was held on the Rajpath on Tuesday afternoon. Thousands of police personnel took position along the route.