Extra security plays spoil sport for Navy Week celebrations

Kochi, Nov 17: Keeping in mind the prevailing security situation in the country, the Southern Naval Command has decided not to open INS Venduruthy naval base to the public during the Navy Week '06 celebrations starting here on November 19.

While there was no specific security threat to the Naval base, it was not being thrown open to the public as in the past, as a ''precaution'', Commodore A T Lucose, Commanding Officer, INS Venduruthy, said at a press conference here today.

''This deviation from the past is intentional, primarily keeping in view the security situation prevailing in the country, particularly relating to defence establishments. This is in the larger safety of the people who regularly visit the naval base during Navy Week celebrations. We hope that next year we will be able to open the base to the general public once again,'' he added.

There would be no operational displays and no stalls would be set up inside the base, Commodore Lucose said.

However, Naval ships would be open to school children above ten in organised groups on December six and seven. There would be no entry charges as in the past.

Also, unlike the past, the Southern Naval Command (SNC) had decided to focus on activities to benefit the public at large, particularly in the fields of health, sports and entertainment.

As part of this, four medical camps would be organised in different parts of Kerala.

A 'Navy Week Invitation Football Championship' for prominent district level football clubs was being started from this year. A rolling trophy and cash prizes worth Rs 20,000 are being instituted, Commodore Lukose said.

Already, eight clubs had confirmed participation in the championship, which would kick off at the Fort Kochi parade ground on November 24. The finals would be played on December 2.

The Navy Band would perform for the public on November 25 at Durbar Hall Grounds and Fort Kochi on December 9.

UNI