Tight security for PM, Sonia's visit to TN

Chennai, Nov 3 (UNI) Over 10,000 police personnel have been deployed in and around Chennai city and a few places in Kancheepuram District of Tamil Nadu in view of the two-day visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi starting from today.

Dr Singh and Ms Gandhi would arrive here tonight and attend functions including laying the foundation stone for the National Automotive Testing Research and Development Infrastructure Project at Oragadam near here.

From there, he would leave for Sriperumbudur by road to pay floral tributes at the Rajiv Gandhi Memorial and later visit the Nokia Plant and the Rajiv Gandhi Institute.

They are expected to fly back to Delhi late in the evening tomorrow.

At the airport here, 4-tier security arrangements have been made and all passengers and baggage would be allowed inside the airport only after thorough check by metal detectors.

Sniffer dogs have been pressed into service in all the places where Dr Singh and Ms gandhi are visiting tomorrow. Jammers have been installed in all important places to deactivate mobile phones, remote control electronic equipment.

City Police Commissioner Latika Saran said additional check-posts were established at all entry points to the city and vehicles would be allowed only after thorough checking. The movements of outsiders and foreigners would be closely watched and special police parties are continuously checking the authenticity of those staying in lodging houses in and around the city, she said.

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