NSG to ensure security of World Cup venues

Port of Spain, Mar 2 (UNI) In an effort to sniff out bombs and other explosive devices during the forthcoming World Cup in the Caribbeans, highly trained Indian Natinal Security Guards (NSG), armed with sophisticated equipments, will be stationed at all the match venues.

Colonel Harjeet S Pathania of NSG, who has been entrusted with the responsiblity of looking after the security arrangements in Trinidad and Tobago -- the base camp of the Indian team -- is currently stationed there to facilitate the Caricom Operational Planning and Coordination Staff (COPACS) unit.

''I am personally being assigned to facilitate COPACS in loking after the security arragements at Trnidad and Tobago.

Moreover, NSG, considered as the best counter-terrorist unit in Asia will be looking after the security in all match venues.

If explosives are found during the event, NSG has the equipment to diffuse them from a distance,'' Mr Pathania told Trinidad Express.

Considering its magnitude and importance, the World Cup is seen as a prime terrorists' target.

''The cricket venues will be inspected before the start of matches and declared safe for patrons. We are specially looking at teams like England, India, Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka who were considered to be at key security risks,'' the tough talking Pathania said.

Meanwhile, security measures have already been put in place, with 29 identified potential trouble makers being prevented from entering the region.

UNI