Delhi: Multi-layered security at Arun Jaitley Stadium ahead of footballer Messi's visit
New Delhi (PTI): In view of chaos during an event featuring Lionel Messi in Kolkata, the Delhi Police has made multi-layered security arrangements at and around the Arun Jaitley Stadium where the Argentine football icon will attend another event on Monday.
The event will be held at the stadium here between 1 pm and 4 pm, officials said on Sunday.
On Saturday, chaos erupted at the Salt Lake stadium in Kolkata as thousands of fans protested after failing to catch a clear glimpse of Messi during a much-hyped event, prompting police to resort to lathi charge. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident.
The Delhi Police said an elaborate and multi-layered security bandobast is being put in place for Messi's visit.
A senior police officer said comprehensive arrangements are being made to ensure the smooth conduct of the event, with a strong focus on crowd management, access control and traffic regulation.
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According to the police, multiple security rings will be established around the venue, with deployment of additional police personnel along with paramilitary forces to maintain law and order. Entry to the stadium and designated areas will be strictly regulated and no one will be permitted without a valid pass.
"Anti-sabotage checks, frisking points and surveillance through CCTV cameras will form a key part of the security plan," the officer said.
The officer added that quick reaction teams, senior supervisory officers and emergency response units will remain on standby throughout the event, and public safety will remain the top priority.
On the traffic front, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Nishant Gupta said the traffic police have identified three main parking areas for labelled vehicles, including P1 near Vikram Nagar.
Vehicles without labels should be parked at the Rajghat Powerhouse parking lot and Mata Sundari Lane, from where people can walk to the stadium, the police said.
App-based taxi users are also advised to drop off at Rajghat Chowk and walk the rest of the way. Parking is strictly forbidden around the Arun Jaitley Stadium, and any vehicle parked there will be towed and fined, the senior officer said.
To make things easier, the public is encouraged to use the metro or buses as much as possible to reduce congestion and enjoy the event comfortably, the police advised.
Around 70 police personnel have been deployed as part of the traffic and security arrangements, the DCP told PTI.
If needed, traffic diversions may be implemented from Delhi Gate Chowk and ITO. During VIP movement, traffic may slow briefly to allow the players' buses to reach and enter the stadium smoothly, he added.
Public movement is expected to begin around 11 am. Commuters have been advised to avoid Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, ITO, Delhi Gate, Netaji Subhash Marg and Brijmohan Chowk from 10 am till the event concludes.
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India describes attack on Fujairah 'unacceptable'
New Delhi (PTI): India on Tuesday described the wounding of three Indians in an attack on the United Arab Emirates' port city of Fujairah as "unacceptable" and pressed for an immediate cessation of hostilities targeting innocent civilians.
New Delhi's reaction came a day after the Indians were injured after a drone attack caused a fire at a major oil industry zone in Fujairah. The UAE had accused Iran of carrying out the strike.
"The attack on Fujairah that resulted in injury to three Indian nationals is unacceptable," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
"We call for immediate cessation of these hostilities and the targeting of civilian infrastructure and innocent civilians," the spokesperson said.
Jaiswal said India continued to stand for dialogue and diplomacy to deal with the situation so that peace and stability could be restored across West Asia.
"We also call for free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the Strait of Hormuz in keeping with international law. India stands ready to support all efforts for a peaceful resolution of issues," he said.
The attack on Fujairah city came as the ceasefire between the US and Iran came under strain in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of the world's oil and gas pass, remains a major sticking point in the talks. Shipping through the narrow Gulf waterway has been severely disrupted by the conflict, triggering a sharp increase in oil prices and energy shortages in several countries.
The UAE's defence ministry on Monday said its air defence systems engaged 12 ballistic missiles, three cruise missiles and four drones launched from Iran.
The ministry affirmed that it "remains fully prepared and ready to deal with any threats and will firmly confront anything that aims to undermine the security of the country."
