We’re the boss here, Mumbai cops tell Obama’s men

[Markus]

We’re the boss here, Mumbai cops tell Obama’s men​

India is no more in the 1970s and 1980s, the state’s police and general administration seem to have made it clear to US security agencies and White House officials while driving a hard bargain over relaxation of security norms demanded by the latter.

The convoy of and security cover to US president Barack Obama will be led by the city police. Also, the White House cannot import guns or arms for its security personnel.

White House officials have had five to six meetings with the state’s officials and sought ‘flexibility’ and special relaxations for their teams visiting Mumbai and Delhi. But the officials here were not willing to entertain many of the requests.

“They wanted the immigration procedure to be waived at the arrival point at the international airport. They thought it would be cumbersome for the 3,000 people accompanying the president. They were told straightaway that our rules do not permit such relaxation and paperwork for every person entering the country will have to be done,” a top Mantralaya official said. Even access and entry permission at all events will be taken care of by the city police.

The official said the White House officials were denied permission to carry guns and other equipment. “Barring the security personnel in the innermost circle, no other security official is allowed to carry any weapon. The city police will be the final authority as far as security is concerned. After all, we can’t rely on a security force that is completely new to the culture and habits of the people here,” he added.

The police and state officials have been upset at the White House decision that Obama would pay homage to 26/11 martyrs at the Taj Hotel. The state home department wanted the venue for the homage to be either the Police Gymkhana or the CST as more deaths were outside the five-star hotel.

The White House officials also wanted an assurance from the home department that photographs would not be clicked from adjoining buildings during Obama’s visit to the Mani Bhavan.

“Our officials were prompt enough to tell them that ours is a democratic country and we do no advocate too much restriction on the citizens,” the official said.

We’re the boss here, Mumbai cops tell Obama’s men - Mumbai - DNA

 

[Markus]

US to spend $200 million a day on Obama's Mumbai visit ​

The US will be spending a whopping $200 million (Rs900 crore) per day on President Barack Obama's visit to the city.

"The huge amount of around $200 million would be spent on security, stay and other aspects of the presidential visit," a top official of the Maharashtra government privy to the arrangements for the high-profile visit said.

About 3,000 people including Secret Service agents, US government officials and journalists will accompany the president.

Several officials from the White House and US security agencies are already in Mumbai for the past one week with helicopters, a ship and high-end security instruments.

"Except for personnel providing immediate security to the president, the US officials may not be allowed to carry weapons. The state police is competent to take care of the security measures and they would be piloting the presidential convoy," the official said on condition of anonymity.

Navy and Air Force has been asked by the state government to intensify patrolling along the Mumbai coastline and its airspace during Obama's stay.

The city's airspace will be closed half-an-hour before the president's arrival for all aircraft barring those carrying the US delegation.

The personnel from SRPF, Force One, besides the NSG contingent stationed here would be roped in for the president's security, the official said.

The area from Hotel Taj, where Obama and his wife Michelle will stay, to Shikra helipad in Colaba would be cordoned off completely during the movement of the president.

The Gateway of India sea front will be sanitised from November 5 to 8 and all the boats will be asked to anchor at nearby Bhaucha Dhakka.

On the first day of his visit, Obama will pay homage to the victims of 26/11 Mumbai attacks at Hotel Taj where he is expected to make a statement on terrorism.

The official said the state government wanted the president to visit the martyrs' memorial at Marine Drive police gymkhana, but the proposal did not find favour with the American Consulate.

The government wanted president's itinerary to include a visit to the memorial as most victims including police officials and common people were killed in other parts of the city and not the Taj.

The official conceded that providing security to the visiting dignitary during his visit to Mahatma Gandhi Museum at Mani Bhavan in central part of the city was a tough job because of the narrow lanes.

Even some of the volunteers at Mani Bhavan have expressed displeasure over heightened security arrangements.

"Mani Bhavan is the place associated with Gandhi who promoted non-violence. But every day people from White House and US security agencies are coming with guns and sniffer dogs," one of them said.

US to spend $200 million a day on Obama's Mumbai visit - India - DNA

 

[Leoboy 4 u]

Interesting atleast there is sumone who can deny us officialS

 

[luckyyy]

“They wanted the immigration procedure to be waived at the arrival point at the international airport. They thought it would be cumbersome for the 3,000 people accompanying the president. They were told straightaway that our rules do not permit such relaxation and paperwork for every person entering the country will have to be done,” a top Mantralaya official said. Even access and entry permission at all events will be taken care of by the city police.

the indian cabinate ministers have to remove their socks at the amarican airports..

 

[indushek]

Remember the scrutiny our beloved APJ Abdul Kalam had to suffer at the hands of these guys, it made every self respecting Indian angry. Its time we paid back in same coin.

 

[cybertron]

haha mum police will make all these comments here
wait untill they land here

 

[KS]

“They wanted the immigration procedure to be waived at the arrival point at the international airport. They thought it would be cumbersome for the 3,000 people accompanying the president. They were told straightaway that our rules do not permit such relaxation and paperwork for every person entering the country will have to be done,” a top Mantralaya official said. Even access and entry permission at all events will be taken care of by the city police.

Excellent Move...didnt they stop our beloved President Dr.Kalam citing procedures ?? So why should we give them special exemptions.?

 

[karan.1970]

US to spend $200 million a day on Obama's Mumbai visit ​

The US will be spending a whopping $200 million (Rs900 crore) per day on President Barack Obama's visit to the city.

"The huge amount of around $200 million would be spent on security, stay and other aspects of the presidential visit," a top official of the Maharashtra government privy to the arrangements for the high-profile visit said.

About 3,000 people including Secret Service agents, US government officials and journalists will accompany the president.

Several officials from the White House and US security agencies are already in Mumbai for the past one week with helicopters, a ship and high-end security instruments.

"Except for personnel providing immediate security to the president, the US officials may not be allowed to carry weapons. The state police is competent to take care of the security measures and they would be piloting the presidential convoy," the official said on condition of anonymity.

Navy and Air Force has been asked by the state government to intensify patrolling along the Mumbai coastline and its airspace during Obama's stay.

The city's airspace will be closed half-an-hour before the president's arrival for all aircraft barring those carrying the US delegation.

The personnel from SRPF, Force One, besides the NSG contingent stationed here would be roped in for the president's security, the official said.

The area from Hotel Taj, where Obama and his wife Michelle will stay, to Shikra helipad in Colaba would be cordoned off completely during the movement of the president.

The Gateway of India sea front will be sanitised from November 5 to 8 and all the boats will be asked to anchor at nearby Bhaucha Dhakka.

On the first day of his visit, Obama will pay homage to the victims of 26/11 Mumbai attacks at Hotel Taj where he is expected to make a statement on terrorism.

The official said the state government wanted the president to visit the martyrs' memorial at Marine Drive police gymkhana, but the proposal did not find favour with the American Consulate.

The government wanted president's itinerary to include a visit to the memorial as most victims including police officials and common people were killed in other parts of the city and not the Taj.

The official conceded that providing security to the visiting dignitary during his visit to Mahatma Gandhi Museum at Mani Bhavan in central part of the city was a tough job because of the narrow lanes.

Even some of the volunteers at Mani Bhavan have expressed displeasure over heightened security arrangements.

"Mani Bhavan is the place associated with Gandhi who promoted non-violence. But every day people from White House and US security agencies are coming with guns and sniffer dogs," one of them said.

US to spend $200 million a day on Obama's Mumbai visit - India - DNA

And USA is supposed to be in a economic downturn. SO @ 200 mill a day, a 4-5 day trip (including travel) is going to cost US a billion dollars..?? And they were wimping about the $ 2 billion to Pakistan in military aid over next 7 years ... The contrast is so stark...lol

 

[IND151]

BRAVO MUMBAI POLICE!

 

[ajtr]

wait till 10 janpath intervenes......

 

[Markus]

wait till 10 janpath intervenes......

Sorry offtopic but

24 Akbar Road has more influence than 10 Janpath

 

[Urbanized Greyhound]

Well done Mumbai police . No unnecessary pandering to Americans .....when everyone from Indira Gandhi to Kalam was frisked at American airports , we should certainly make no exceptions for any junior official part of Obama's entourage ......Good going

 

[Hyde]

Please do one favour and I promise i will not object for Kashmir in future

When Obama arrives on Airport, keep him separate no worries - give him top priority

But ask remaining 3000 peoples accompanying him to take off their shoes and jackets, and shirts for security purposes and scan them for 5-10 times each

 

[Jigs]

Let me get this right. The Indian security forces are arguing with the U.S. security forces over providing security to the United States President ? Is this really a matter that concerns them ?

 

[karan.1970]

Please do one favour and I promise i will not object for Kashmir in future

When Obama arrives on Airport, keep him separate no worries - give him top priority

But ask remaining 3000 peoples accompanying him to take off their shoes and jackets, and shirts for security purposes and scan them for 5-10 times each

If they do that, I will vote for Cogress for rest of my life