Indian politician should learn a lesson from US Secreatary, Hillary Clinton

By Pradeep Gupta

Indian politicians, who insist on top security personnel anywhere they go, should learn a lesson from US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who has specially insisted that such heavy security should not be deployed at the Taj, where she is staying during her visit to India.

Sources from Taj security told on condition of anonymity, that before her arrival in India, she had specifically informed them through the US Consulate not to deploy high security, despite the various onerous possibilities in the wake of the recent terror strikes.

However, the state government, which is already on high alert following intelligence reports, does not want to take any risk. They have taken special measures for her security.

Clinton, who arrived yesterday in the city, is staying at room number 110 on the 11th floor of the Taj, where she will stay for three days.

The police and consulate staff will not allow people on that floor, not even hotel staff, without their permission. The surrounding area will be cordoned off by uniformed police, and Crime Branch and State Intelligence staff will keep watch.
Clinton will visit several places, including St. Xavier’s College, besides attending a social programme arranged by the city-based SEVA organization. Today, she will first offer tribute to the 26/11 victims after which she will attend a meet with businessmen, including Ratan Tata.

Police officials have said that anyone found loitering around the area would be hauled off for interrogation.

Rakesh Maria, Joint Commissioner, Crime, said “Police in plain clothes will keep watch on the hotel from vantage points.”