Anti-aircraft guns, NSG to secure World Cup final in Mumbai

PTI | Mar 31, 2011, 07.44pm IST
NEW DELHI: Anti-aircraft guns will be strategically put in place and teams of the elite National Security Guards will join thousands of security personnel to provide security at the cricket World Cup final on April 2 at Wankhede stadium in Mumbai.

Though there is no specific threat to the much-awaited game where India will clash with Sri Lanka, the Centre is not taking any chances as President Pratibha Patil and her Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa are set to watch the encounter, sources said.

A sizable number of NSG commandos and around 400 central paramilitary personnel will assist Mumbai Police to ensure foolproof security.

All air bases near Mumbai, Indian Navy and Coast Guard have been put on high alert to ensure security in the air and sea during the Saturday's match which is also expected to be watched by a host of Union ministers, chief minister of Maharashtra Prithviraj Chavan and other leaders.

Quick Reaction Teams and women personnel of CRPF would be stationed at vital locations in and around the stadium to respond to any exigency.

Home ministry officials are in constant touch with Mumbai Police and the Maharashtra government to ensure security.

"There is no concern for security. We will ensure that everything goes off well in Mumbai," a home ministry official said.


Warm Regard, Sara Pandian