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Delhi Locked Down On Eve Of Games

Sep 30, 2010  - Craig Lord

Security forces have taken over Commonwealth Games venues and related places such as luxury hotels and metro stations in New Delhi to ensure the safety of those heading to the Indian capital for one of the largest sports events in the world.

The backdrop to the lockdown is the threat of terrorist attacks. Backed by 100,000 police across the Indian capital, authorities have drafted in an array of commandos, snipers and other security staff to protect up to 8,000 athletes and officials staying at the Games Village.

MiG fighter jets and armed helicopters are also on standby for the Games, which get underway this weekend. Mi-35 attack helicopters will be airborne during opening and closing ceremonies, the India Express daily reported. Mobile surface-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft guns have also been deployed.

An estimated $6 billion has been spent on the Games and infrastructure linked to it, including a new international airport, a metro system and flyover highways. Delhi has also been given a massive spring clean. 

The country had hoped to use the Games to display its growing economic and political influence but an attack on Taiwanese tourists, a dengue fever epidemic, filthy apartments in the Athletes' Village that caused teams to delay their arrival in Delhi, the collapse of a footbridge that injured 27 workers and a partial collapse of a ceiling at the weightlifting venue have all contributed to a feeling that India is struggling to meet expectation.

Things are starting to fall into place at the 11th hour. Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit reviewed the facilities at the  Commonwealth Games Village on Wednesday and expressed satisfaction at the progress made.

On the issue of security, the main threat is said to be from Pakistani-based militants, mainly fighting against Indian rule in Kashmir, a Himalayan region. Diplomatic efforts to bring India  and Pakistan together faltered in 2008, when 166 people lost their lives in attacks in Mumbai.

Indian Foreign Minister SM Krishna has invited his Pakistani counterpart to attend the Games as a gesture of reconciliation and to help in the progress of ongoing talks between the two countries.

"Foreign Minister (Shah Mehmood) Qureshi is most welcome to witness some of the Games at least, and there again give us a chance... to continue the dialogue," S.M. Krishna told NDTV news channel.