Pakistan-India match- British police taking foolproof security steps (2 June 1999)

2 June 1999

Pakistan-India match: British police taking foolproof security steps

Nasir Malick

LONDON, June1: British authorities are facing a problem in maintaining security during the India-Pakistan match in Manchester on June 8. Police are expecting difficulties in controlling the Indian and Pakistani cricket fans, who may be jostling for seats at fence-free Old Trafford stadium. Special branch officers are consulting the security chiefs of British intelligence service MI5, the Home Office and Foreign Office for information on any potential flash points.

"We will be looking very closely at increased security for any match between the two sides," a spokesman of Greater Manchester Police said. "We will be taking advice from all the relevant bodies and put into place whatever measures are necessary. It remains a cricket match and we will want it to stay that way."

However, the biggest problem police are facing is to keep the fans apart. There are about a million people of Indian origin in Britain and about half a million of Pakistani origin.

Already there have been signs that many of the English-born fans supporting teams from the sub-continent are bringing soccer-style rivalry to the matches.

Tension has already started building between Pakistani and Indian cricket fans and was witnessed at the match, which England lost to India.

The Indian fans were seen chanting: "Stand up if you hate Pakistan," as the victory of their team became imminent.

Police is understood to have approached the Pakistani and Indian High Commissioners to exercise their influence on their communities to exercise restraint.

The two high commissioners have already set fine example by inviting each other to the parties they held for their respective cricket teams.

Pakistan High Commissioner Riaz Sami was the first to hold a reception for the visiting Pakistani cricket team where he also invited the Indian High Commissioner Mr Lalit Mansingh.

On Monday the Indian High Commissioner held a reception for the Indian team where Mr Riaz Sami was also present.

The police are also contacting the leaders of both Indian and Pakistani communities to help maintain a congenial atmosphere during the match.

Source :: The Dawn (www.dawn.com)