Published: Nov 27, 2012, 10:08 AM (IST)
Edited: Nov 27, 2012, 10:08 AM (IST)
First time since the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, India and Pakistan will resume their cricketing ties in December © Getty Images
Mumbai: Nov 27,2012
After terrorist Ajmal Kasab’s execution, Pakistan’s tour of India is the first big event between the two countries. The Ministry of Home Affairs has reviewed all the aspects related to security with the Central Intelligence agencies in the last few days.
With the Indian Government planning a multi-city visa for the visiting Pakistani cricket fans, the task of security and intelligence agencies has become tougher.
A government source was quoted by the Asian Age, saying that the directive from the Home Ministry to the security and the intelligence agencies is clear that “all visitors should be accounted for and ensure that they leave the country after the series.”
In a recently held meeting, intelligence agencies had expressed their concerns over militant outfits who may try and take advantage of the cricket series to send their operatives into India. This has happened in the past as well.
During the India-Pakistan cricket match in India in 2007, Major Sajid Mir, a Lashkar operative suspected to be working for the ISI as well, had used the game as an opportunity to recee sensitive areas. During the same series, many Pakistans had gone missing and are still not traceable.
The National Investigation Agency named Mir as an accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack.
Following Kasab’s execution, all border guarding security forces have been put on high alert, in fear of infiltration and retaliation by terrorist groups based in Pakistan.
The state police have been given the duty of keeping a check on the movement of local sponsors of the visiting Pakistani fans and sources claim that visas to Pakistani visitors will be granted once the background of the local sponsor is thoroughly checked.
