Strict security arrangements for CWG: Gill

NEW DELHI - Even as Australia issued a fresh travel advisory regarding India, Sports Minister M.S. Gill Wednesday said strict security arrangements have been made for the Commonwealth Games and there is nothing to worry.

“There are foolproof security arrangements for the Games and there is nothing to worry about,” Gill told IANS.

When asked about the fresh Australian advisory, Gill said: “I have spoken to the Scottish minister, Canadian minister and the Australian minister and all of them are satisfied with the security arrangements.”

“In fact, I have been told by some of the foreign delegates that they faced problems because of stringent security arrangements at the Games Village and venues,” he added.

Australia’s fresh terror alert advises its nationals to avoid some parts of the country and leading tourist spots including the Red Fort and Baha’i temple in New Delhi.

In its updated advisory, while Jammu and Kashmir has a “do not travel” warning, the northeastern states of Assam, Nagaland, Tripura and Manipur have been clubbed under the “reconsider your need to travel” category.

The department of foreign affairs and trade website said: “Terrorists may also be planning attacks against Indian political and security interests. We also continue to receive reports about possible terrorist attacks in markets frequented by foreigners in New Delhi.”

“India’s Supreme Court as well as the famed Lotus temple are all subject to possible terror attacks. The Indian parliament and Red Fort are also on the list of places that could be terror targets along with hotels in New Delhi and Mumbai,” it said.