Sportsmen and women have been attacked in the past, but the terror attack such as the one on the Sri Lankan cricketers on Tuesday, is probably only the second direct one on players after the Munich massacre.
NDTV explains how this attack changes the business of security in a country where cricket is a religion.
Watching cricket will never be the same again with such attacks clearly indicating that it’s not just about the game anymore for terror has cast its shadow on cricket and the cricketers.
However, security companies claim there is nothing to fear and that they are leaving no stone unturned to ensure safety cover to the players as well as the fans.
Sources told NDTV that there has been a 25 per cent increase in both manpower investment and technology. Also, 30 to 40 security personnel dressed in plain clothes are deployed to keep vigil at the stadiums. There is now more focus on evacuation plan.
Deepak Monga, Deputy GM of Tops Security, one of the agencies working to provide security for the IPL, said, “In times like these it is necessary to have evacuation plans put in place and we are already working on it.”
So, while the home minister has asked for a postponement of IPL since sharing of security between IPL and elections will be a concern, the organisers are gearing up to secure stadiums and have the fans assured that there is nothing to worry about.
Lalit Modi, Commissioner of IPL, said, “In case of any disaster in stadiums, we will be able to evacuate it in seven minutes. That's the kind of arrangements we have put in place. We are going ahead with IPL, some dates will be changed based on election dates.”
But, well-planned attacks such as these cannot be ignored for they are ‘real’ and they could take place again unless there is an efficient disaster management plan that is put in place.
No comments:
Post a Comment