Home ministry allays fears over World Cup

NEW DELHI: Amid concerns raised in certain quarters over security for the hockey World Cup beginning on February 28, the government on Monday said adequate security was put in place for the event and it would pass off peacefully.

Allaying concerns, home secretary GK Pillai said, “We will ensure that hockey World Cup passes off peacefully. There is no specific threat as of now.”

Sources in the home ministry said more paramilitary forces have already been provided to Delhi Police so that additional deployment could be made for security of venues and players’ accommodation. The government has, meanwhile, reviewed security arrangements for four major sporting events, including Commonwealth Games, to be held in India this year in the wake of the Pune blast, the first major terror attack in 14 months.