Delhiites must stay disciplined, says Chidambaram

NEW DELHI - Lauding the people of Delhi for helping to make the Commonwealth Games a success, Home Minister P. Chidambaram Saturday urged them to remain disciplined, follow rules and respect policemen.

Speaking at a function here, Chidambaram expressed the hope that the “remarkable” perceptional change towards security measures seen during the Oct 3-14 Games “is not a temporary change”.

“It must remain forever. Delhi’s people must also learn how to follow the rules and drive in lanes,” he said.

He added: “People must learn to respect policemen and policewomen.

“I am gratified no one has found anything negative about security. People also have learnt that tight security measures are a must for a modern city. The behaviour of Delhi has changed, and this change is for better.”

The minister was addressing the only women’s battalion of the Nagaland Police that was deputed for security in Delhi’s market places during the Games.

The minister heaped praise on Delhi Police, the paramilitary forces and police forces drawn from different states for doing a “stupendous job” of providing flawless security during the event.

“Nothing can compensate for the hours put in by policemen and women. They stand on roads 12-14 hours a day, and that’s not easy,” he said.

He said that police behaviour had also changed tremendously because of the event.

“They are far more polite now and perform their duty with a smile,” he said. “This must not change.”