Reschedule Games’ baton arrival in Maha: state to centre
Citing preoccupation of policemen because of the festive season next month, the Maharashtra government has requested the Centre to reschedule the arrival of the Queen’s baton relay for the Commonwealth Games.
Citing preoccupation of policemen because of the festive season next month, the Maharashtra government has requested the Centre to reschedule the arrival of the Queen’s baton relay for the Commonwealth Games.
The baton is expected to arrive in Pune in September 9 and would be in the city on the September 11. While Eid will be celebrated on September 10, the 10-day Ganesh festival will start from September 11.
In a letter written to Union Home Ministry, the state Home Department said it would difficult to provide “enough” police strength for the baton’s security as the force was needed for the festival season.
“We need full police force to ensure peaceful celebrations of festivals,” said Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Chandra Iyengar. It would be convenient if the arrival of the baton is postponed by at least 10 days “on or after September 20”, she added.
The Union Home Ministry has recently sounded an alert against possible terror attacks across the country, especially in major metropolitan cities during the festival season.