Strict security measures are being taken to avoid any untoward incident during the India vs Sri Lanka T20 International at ACA Stadium at Barsapara in Guwahati on January 5.
Guwahati Commissioner of Police Munna Prasad Gupta, who addressed a joint press conference with the office bearers of the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) on January 3, mentioned that spectators will be allowed to take only their mobile phone and wallet inside the stadium.
“For the safety and security of the players, officials and spectators, we have adopted all the measures in and around the stadium. Adequate number of security personnel has been deployed in and around the stadium. I would appeal to the people not to bring anything other than their mobile phone and wallet to the stadium. We will only allow small money purse and mobile phone and may be the keys of vehicle. Apart from that, no other items will be allowed inside the stadium. I hope the spectators would cooperate with us,” Gupta told media persons in Guwahati on Friday.
With this mandate, the spectators won’t be able to bring any posters of their favourite players or display eye-catchy slogans on banners.
Gupta, however, said that they might approve the Indian flags inside the stadium. “Yes, we can allow flags but no sketch pen and other stuff will be allowed,” Gupta, who recently joined as CP, added.
ACA secretary Devajit Saikia on the other hand, categorically said that nothing except a small purse and mobile phone will be allowed inside the stadium.
Though the match starts from 7 pm, the gates will be opened for the spectators from 4 pm onwards.
While neither police nor ACA mentioned about the ongoing protests against the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), it is believed that the security measures were doubled in view of the same.
Sources in the state home department said that they don’t want to take any chances in this regard. All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), the influential students’ body which has been very vocal against the Act, has been carrying out demonstrations and protests along with other organizations across the state.
There are apprehensions that protesters may display banners and slogans against CAA during the match.
The ACA official informed that of the total 39,400 tickets that were put on sale, around 27,000 are already sold out while the others are expected to be sold soon.
For the ease of spectators and the general public, the city traffic police have also made elaborate traffic arrangements for the match.
Addressing the media on Friday, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Ranjan Bhuyan said that flow of traffic leading to the Assam Cricket Association Stadium at Barsapara will be controlled at multiple locations. “The spectators can reach the stadium through AK Azad Road from Paltan Bazaar and Lokhra while they may also take the AK Deb Road from Gorchuk and Bharalumukh. There will be designated parking points for the spectators. Restrictions will be imposed at various roads leading to the stadium,” Bhuyan said.
