High security for Obama's visit to Mumbai
By SHAHID RAZA BURNEY/ARAB NEWS
MUMBAI: Ahead of US President Barack Obama's two-day visit to Mumbai beginning Nov. 6, intelligence agencies along with Mumbai police have started putting in place security measures unprecedented in the history of Maharashtra.
In view of possible threats by some militant groups, contingents of the Rapid Action Force, State Reserve Police Force and policemen from other parts of the state will be deployed to ensure security to Obama and his entourage.
Cherring Dorje, deputy commissioner of police (Zone 1), said police were mapping each location the US president is likely to visit and the route his entourage will pass through.
On Monday, the police carried out surveys of buildings on Peddar Road, Girguam, Marine Drive, Fort and Colaba area in south Mumbai.
According to a senior police officer, 215 buildings have been surveyed and police have taken list of residents staying in those buildings. Visitors coming to these buildings would also be under surveillance.
The traffic police will ensure that no cars are parked on the roads through which Obama and his convoy would pass. Police will also deploy sharp shooters on the high-rise buildings near the location of Obama's visit.
Obama's two-day visit to Mumbai is being kept under wrap by the US government citing security concerns and his exact itinerary would be conveyed to the Indian and Maharashtra government 48 hours before his visit, according to a state Home Ministry official.
US Secret Service and the US Marines will be responsible for the inner security of the US president while Indian intelligence and Mumbai cops will be responsible for his outer security.