Social Democratic Party of India

The Social Democratic Party of India, (SDPI), appreciates Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram for allaying fears of world's sporting fraternity of security fears in the upcoming major sports events in India in the backdrop of bombing in Pune on February 13 and alleged new threats which raised fresh concerns over security.
The reported statement of Chidamabaram that India will provide full protection to every player, every coach, every official who participates in the forthcoming World Cup Hockey, IPL cricket and Commonwealth Games should reassure the sporting nations who are scheduled to send their teams in these events.

The reported warning of Pakistan-based extremist Al-Qaeda-linked militant Ilyas Kashmiri about attacking sports events in India is most reprehensible and will be condemned by one and all. It should be remembered that international sport events are medium of forging peace, coordination and cooperation between nations since time immemorial. The Government's resolve to provide fool-proof security to one and all connected with these sporting events is laudable and should be supported so that the image of India remains untarnished.

Meanwhile, the SDPI is happy to note that Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith is satisfied with the security measures taken by India to ensure the safety of Australian players during the forthcoming Commonwealth Games following terror threats by Al-Qaeda-linked militants. Similarly, Pakistan security agencies have given a thumbs up to the security arrangements made for the World Cup Hockey tournament in New Delhi beginning on February 28. These indicators go on to show Chidambaram's commitment towards sportspersons’ safety and his allaying of fears are not mere words.

The SDPI hopes and prays to the Almighty that everything passes off peacefully without any untoward incident so that the so-called designs of militants are frustrated.



PRESS RELEASE
New Delhi
19 February 2010