30 September,2010 08:28 AM IST | | Atul Krishan
Tricolour in Delhi police's list of restricted items
If you had plans of letting loose your patriotic fervour and cheering on the Indian contingent at CWG by waving the tricolour, the city cops just put paid to your dreams.
Delhi police has issued a circular for spectators, banning 31 articles at Games venues, including the flag, for security reasons.
Speaking with this reporter Delhi police spokesperson Rajan Bhagat said the national flag had not been targeted specifically.
"Not only the tricolour. If a person is carrying a black-coloured cloth, he will be stopped at the entrance gate. Visitosr can not take any kind of clothes inside the stadium, unless they are wearing them," said Bhagat.
According to the official anything that can be used as a weapon will be confiscated. He also faxed a copy of the restricted items to MiD DAY.u00a0u00a0
Security is a concern but fans are disappointed by this decision. "Police can't stop us from carrying flags for security reasons. There will be no enthusiasm in the Games without the tricolour. We can't be forced to remain mute spectators," said Shekhar, a resident Saket.
"Supporters clapping, singing, waving the flag boosts the spirit of the Games. It also showcases the flavour of our country. If such things are forbidden no one should go to the event," said Umesh, a Games enthusiast from Dwarka.
| Guarded response |
| More than 1 lakh security personnel have been deployed to secure the city ahead of the Games. Out of the 13,000 paramilitary personnel that have been pressed into service, approximately 4,000 are going to be deployed for city policing alone. While five star hotels and venues are under a tight security cover, prominent market places are also under strict vigil. |
