Guwahati: Security blanket for Fifa U-17 World Cup match

GUWAHATI: With the city readying to host its first ever U-17 World Cup match on Sunday, the Kamrup metro district administration has put tight security arrangements in place. The city has been divided into six sectors for security purposes, with an SP-rank official in the lead in all sectors. Besides, 200 sub-inspectors have been specially trained by FIFA as stewards to combat any kind of untoward incidents during the tournament.

"We have already employed maximum number of security personnel though we cannot reveal the number. Though Guwahati does not have any history of violence in sports, we are equipped to face any kind of situation during the tournament," commissioner of police Hiren Nath told reporters here on Saturday.

Nath added that due to security-related issues, spectators at the matches will not be allowed to carry anything except mobiles and purses. "There will be arrangement of water and food inside the stadium and at no cost will anyone be allowed to carry any kind of tobacco items or even food inside," he said. The administration has arranged shuttle buses which will be plying on NH 37 from Khanapara, Jalukbari via Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT) during the match days. 17 parking lots have been designated in and around the Sarusojai stadium. The administration has appealed the

spectators to park their vehicles at the Khanapara Veterinary college ground and at the ISBT premises.

The district administration has taken up measures to clean the stretch of NH 37 from Khanapara to LGBI Airport. Deputy commissioner M Angamuthu has formed a team headed by additional DC PP Kathkatia for the work.

An official said, "To build up agood image of the city in the eyes of foreign players, officials and spectators coming from outside the state, we have adopted these measures."