100 US security personnel for Obama protection in Agra

Agra, Jan 21: About 100 American security personnel along with their 4000 Indian counterparts will ensure a protective cover to President Barack Obama and his family when they visit the world famous Taj Mahal here on January 27.

The security cover will involve an intense ground-to-air paraphernalia to ensure that there is no untoward incident during the visit of the world's most guarded leader.

A meeting was held on Wednesday to give final touches to the security drill for the visit of the VVIP family who will be here for a few hours to see the 17th century monument of love.

Obama, who will be arriving in India on January 25 for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and be the Chief Guest at the Republic Day, will visit Taj Mahal on January 27.

"I cannot give you detailed security arrangements. But yes, we are going to deploy lot of force and security of police and commondos," SSP Agra Rakesh Modak told reporters.

He said around 4,000 security personnel, including local police and paramilitary forces, will be deployed for protection "American security have their contingent with them. They are also around 100 people," Modak added.

A 30-member advance team of the US President's security has already been camping here and is visiting the Taj Mahal daily to finetune the security details in coordination local police officials.

Aerial security will be a part of the protective apparatus. Uttar Pradesh police will be hiring a helicopter for the purpose.

PTI