Security tight for Obama visit to Mumbai

From US warships patrolling the waters to electronic jammers and even a ban on powerful Diwali firecrackers, nothing is being left to chance for US President Barack Obama's visit to Mumbai.

Security will be tight for the two-day trip, with memories still fresh of the deadly attacks two years ago that killed 166 and Obama himself staying at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel, which was the focus of the bloody, three-day siege.

Obama is the most high-profile visitor to the city since then and police and government officials, who were criticised for their response to the onslaught, are keen to show they can handle the visit of the world's most powerful man.

Advance teams of US secret service agents have been in the city for weeks, working with their Indian counterparts to ensure the safety of the president's accommodation, the venues he will visit and key transport links.

A senior Indian security official told the Mid-Day newspaper last month that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) were overseeing the operation.

"They will keep 24/7 vigil over the skies and seas as hundreds of US intelligence officials are expected to descend on the city," he was quoted as saying.

Electronic surveillance and eavesdropping equipment has been shipped into the city in recent weeks, including jammers that will block all mobile phones in the vicinity of the president.

The measures -- now standard for presidential visits abroad, according to analysts -- come alongside more traditional security methods by law enforcement agencies like road closures, strict identity checks and sweeping buildings.

A Delta flight from Amsterdam was searched after landing in Mumbai late Thursday following reports of a suspicious package on board, airline and airport officials said, but nothing suspicious was found.

Air space will be closed for the arrival and departure of the presidential jet, Air Force One, and others carrying the large and influential US delegation of officials and businessmen.

Maritime security -- an issue ever since the 10 gunmen arrived undetected by boat from Pakistan to begin their assault -- will also be beefed up, with a US warship joining India Navy and Coastguard vessels on patrol.

Movement of ships around the city's coastline has been banned, including the wooden tourist boats that normally ply the route to and from the Gateway of India monument near the Taj hotel to the popular Elephanta Caves.

Even the photographers who tout for tourist trade outside the Taj and Gateway of India have been told to stay away, along with the drivers of the elaborately-decorated horse-drawn carriages.

"We usually make around 10,000 rupees (225 dollars) on Diwali but this year we'll have to sit at home," one photographer told the Hindustan Times newspaper, referring to the Hindu festival of light, which falls on Friday.

Other more unconventional measures include a ban on setting off ear-splitting firecrackers near the president's hotel to celebrate Diwali.

The move will be welcome for any jittery security personnel: a Mumbai anti-noise group recently found that many firecrackers on sale in shops easily exceeded permissible noise levels and were as loud as explosive devices.

"The move has been initiated to ensure maximum security to the US president," senior Mumbai police officer Rajnish Seth told reporters.
Officials at the Gandhi museum have also ordered the removal of coconuts from nearby trees in case any fall on Obama when he comes to see the place where his hero, Mahatma Gandhi, stayed during his trips to the city.

The tight security has been welcomed by some after the horror of two years ago.

Indian intelligence agencies, their US counterparts, elite commandos, police, air force and navy personnel undertook a full dress rehearsal on Thursday.

But some Mumbai residents have complained that the visit will make them virtual prisoners in their own homes during Diwali, which is normally spent celebrating with family and friends.

In the October 2008 attacks on Mumbai, 10 heavily-armed gunmen made their way to the city from Pakistan where they launched a three-day assault on prime targets, leaving 166 people dead and more than 300 injured.
 

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