All Decked Up For Uncle Sam

THE FRESH coat of white paint on the otherwise littered streets of Mumbai, neatly pruned lawns at the leading hotel, constant buzz at the secretariat as also protest marches by various groups all point to the high-profile visit of US President Bill Clinton to Mumbai on March 24.

But there is a hush-hush surrounding the arrival of the visitor as the police continues to be tight-lipped about his security arrangements.

Last week, Joint Commissioner (law and order) Y C Pawar visited Delhi to participate in a high-level meeting regarding the US President's security.

Arrival of two US flights on Monday, carrying around 36 security personnel, created some stir in the city as the convoy of sleek deep black US vans and blue and white buses, carrying sophisticated weapons, drove down the roads, ushering in an advance team of the President.

 

The team, comprising key persons of the President's security group, was in the city to ensure that there were no lacunae in the security cover provided to him, according to sources at us information services.

The surveillance at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International airport has been beefed up with help from American experts.

Meanwhile, the Oberoi Tower in south Mumbai, where the President is expected to be put up during his day-long visit to the city is all geared to roll out the red carpet for its 'guest' of the new millennium.

The hotel has reserved its parking drive solely for the entourage during the visit.

Efforts are also being made to clear the adjoining space facing the sea of hawkers.

The Leela, in suburban Mumbai, and the Taj in south Mumbai were also said to be hot contenders for hosting the President.

However, for the hosts, there could be some reason to fear the planned protests by some NGOs over the visit.

Gherao threat: While the Indian Union Muslim League has decided to gherao the US President, the taxi union in Mumbai has decided that it is the best time to stage an agitation and get its demands met.

Over 55,000 taxis have threatened to block the VIP route on the day, hoping that the most powerful man of the world will help solve their problems.

However, at the Bombay Stock Exchange market, the visit has stirred up considerable heat. Efforts are on to spruce up the place and clear the area of hawkers.