Author:
Publication: The New Indian Express
Date: January 20, 2005
URL: http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IEK20050120003329&Page=K&Title=Southern+News+%2D+Karnataka&Topic=348&
The State Government seems to be
bending over backwards to ensure that it's smooth sailing for controversial
pastor Benny Hinn's 'Festival of Blessings' at Jakkur Airfield from Friday.
Pulling out all stops, it has got
official clearances expedited. Several charges have also been dropped.
Putting the already understaffed
police force under additional strain, men and resources of the city police
and special police forces are being diverted for the three-day event. What's
more as entry to the show is free, police are not charging the organisers
for the bandobust provided.
Security arrangements for the mega
meet, claim the organisers, cannot be faulted as they have roped in five
former DGPs as advisors: A release issued by the organisers states that
former DG and IGP T. Srinivasulu who has also served as Security Advisor
to the State Government, is their general advisor. Added to this, the overall
security arrangements are being looked after by former DG and IGP F.T.R.
Colaso, while retired DGP A.J. Anandan is in charge of traffic and parking
and will be assisted by former DCP traffic M.T. Naik.
In case problems crop up, those
attending have been asked to contact senior officers. DCP, North, Syed
Ulfath Hussain is the nodal officer in charge of the event and the traffic
at the venue will be under DCP, Traffic, West, Basavaraj Malagatti.
IG Fire Services, M.N. Reddi and
DIG Fire Services N. Sunil Kumar are also on the list of officers who can
be contacted in case of emergencies. The mobile phone numbers of the City
Police Commissioner and Additional Commissioners have been publicised by
the organisers.
A fleet of BMTC buses have been
hired by the organisers to ferry those wishing to attend the fest while
the APMC Yard has been virtually converted into a temporary bus depot.
Even traffic regulations across the city have been altered to ensure the
smooth flow of vehicles to the festival -- all at the cost of other vehicles.
The Bellary Road, which has been earmarked for the parking of VVIP vehicles,
has become a restricted area, out of bounds to other commuters.
Even as other chief ministers are
thinking of skipping the meet because of the mounting pressure from various
quarters, it is learnt that Dharam Singh has blessed the 'Festival of Blessings'.
The direction to ground the aircraft at the Jakkur airfield to facilitate
the meet, came from no other place than the CMO.
Hinn seems poised to change history
here, quite literally, thanks to the charitable steps taken by the External
Affairs Ministry and the Home Department, who have cleared all hurdles
for his visit by issuing him a special visa.
