The state police would have heavy security arrangements in place for the day and night Indo-Pak match to be played at the PCA stadium in Mohali on November 8, a day before Diwali.
The proposed measures include a three tier security cover, 900 police personnel, besides 350 private security personnel and gadgets like CCTV cameras. All roads around the stadium are to be sealed and even those with VIP passes may have to walk a kilometer to reach the venue.
A police official told Newsline, “Some 80 CCTV cameras will be installed in the stadium and from a make-shift police control room, each and every movement in the stands and other parts of the stadium will be monitored.”
Sources said though mobile phones would be strictly prohibited, security agencies would take added precautions of providing a mobile jammer.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has already decided and conveyed to the Punjab Government and PCA that only 250 visas will be issued for this match to Pakistani nationals. They would be entitled to enter only the Terrace Block of the stadium and they will have to give the details regarding their stay arrangements in India.
In a message today, ADGP (Intelligence), Punjab Police, Shashi Kant told other officers, “Keeping in view the Diwali festivities, one needs to be very cautious. Proper deployment of police personnel, frisking to people and other measures will have to be taken.” The ADGP added, “The timing to hold the match was not right, but we cannot do anything.”