Highest security at Modi oath venue to avert Fidayeen threat

Ahmedabad, Dec 25 (UNI) Sharpshooters, with binoculars and wireless communication sets posted on rooftops of every building surrounding the venue, threw a foolproof security cordon around Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi when he was sworn in today at the Sardar Patel Stadium.

But the streets turned saffron with lakhs of BJP supporters and workers who had come to witness the oath-taking ceremony.

Security personnel had sanitised the one-km radius area around the stadium, even checking aged men and women in view of the human bomb threat.

More than 10,000 security personnel formed a 'foolproof security blanket' in nearby areas and the movements of all vehicles were closely monitored in view of the Centre's advisory last week on a possible fidayeen attack on the life of the Gujarat Chief Minister.

A high ranking official on condition of anonymity told UNI that strategic planning for coordination was chalked out between various law enforcement agencies including intelligence agencies and central para-military forces, who were deployed to provide security cover to various leaders.

During a whirlwind tour of the entire area, this UNI correspondent noticed that every road and street approaching the venue were blocked for vehicular traffic with close watch on every individual or groups of pedestrians walking towards the venue.

Security personnel were on high alert.

The stadium is located in western part of the city and close to commercial establishments.

However, amid this tightest security blanket, Gujarati business acumen was clearly visible with all shops and makeshift vendors busy in making quick money with hefty selling of eatables and drinks.

Some vendors, particularly those who were selling water-pouches and gutkha and pan-masala, had smiling faces as they had made business of three days at one place in just a few hours.

UNI