Multi-layered security for Bush

     New Delhi: A multi-layered security team will provide protection to US President George W Bush during his visit to India beginning March 1. The multi-layered security ring comprises of US security officials, paramilitary commandos and Delhi Police personnel, highly placed sources said. A team of US Secret Service agents, officials from the Homeland Security and commandos drawn from the Special Protection Group (SPG) and National Security Guards (NSG) would form the close ring around Bush. Delhi Police will be in charge of outer security, sources added. Officials from the US Homeland Security Department have already taken charge of three floors at the Maurya Sheraton Hotel here, which would be home to the President and his delegation. Hi-tech electronic gadgets have been installed at the hotel premises, which include jammers and explosive detectors, among others.

    Dish antennas have also been installed at the hotel's rooftop, tuned in to US satellites and establishing links with the president's security network to keep a close watch on the movement of President Bush. The hotel will be barred even to the hotel's regular clients from February 27 to March 3, said officials. All the 550 rooms of Maurya Sheraton will be taken over by the Americans, though it was unclear how many US officials would stay in the hotel. US officials are having regular meetings with Indian intelligence agencies to review the security scenario and assess threat perceptions ahead of the high-profile visit. US Secret Service agents have been checking various venues where Bush is expected to visit during his stay in India, particularly the Old Fort (Purana Quila), where he is to address a gathering of high profile dignitaries in the country. Earlier, an advance team from the US had reached Hyderabad, the Andhra Pradesh capital to review security arrangements for the US President's visit to the city on March 3. This is the second US advance team to visit Hyderabad. Last month, the first team had arrived to hold preliminary talks with security agencies over the Bush visit. President Bush will spend about five hours on March 3 in Hyderabad before flying off to Pakistan. Bush has about eight official engagements scheduled in India, and eight special teams have been constituted to protect Bush - one for each programme. A closely guarded strategy is being worked out for the landing of the President's aircraft, Air Force One. Officials said a full security drill is likely to take place at the Palam Air Force Base after February 27.

Bhopal gas victims protest against Bush visit

     Bhopal: Victims of world's worst industrial disaster in 1984 took to the streets in Bhopal, protesting against the forthcoming visit of United States President George W Bush. The protesters also demanded the speedy extradition of Warren Anderson, former Union Carbide Chairman.

    In December 1984, tones of a toxic gas leaked from a pesticide plant here owned by Union Carbide, killing 3,800 people almost immediately. Thousands more were maimed for life. Victims shouted slogans demanding Warren Anderson be brought to India and tried in Bhopal court and accused government of inaction. "It's shameful to know that our government is unable to demand the extradition of Warren Anderson from the US government. Anderson, who was responsible for the Bhopal gas tragedy, is staying in Florida in the US. Our government is not brave enough to ask for his extradition," said Abdul Zabbar, a protester. Union Carbide in 1984 accepted moral responsibility for the tragedy and established a 100-million dollar charitable trust fund to build a hospital for victims. Later Union Carbide was taken over by Dow Chemical. After the incident, Union Carbide India Ltd. began cleanup work at the site spending some 2 million dollars. 21 years on, thousands of victims of the tragedy are still battling deadly diseases. Doctors say many survivors -- and some from a generation born after the disaster -- still suffer from deep psychiatric disorders and stunted growth while thousands of women have severe gynaecological problems. The Union carbide, after a protracted legal battle, paid 470 million dollars to the Indian government in a settlement reached in 1989. The victims, on an average, received 25,000 rupees (575 dollars) in case of illness and 100,000 rupees or so in case of a death in the family. President Bush is scheduled to arrive in India on March 1.

RSS urges Centre not to sign US nuke deal

     Nagpur: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has urged the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government not to buckle under pressure to sign the civilian nuclear agreement with the United States. The RSS has said that the proposed agreement, which is likely to be signed during visit of US President George W. Bush, would be detrimental to the interests of India. "We urge the government that since the issue is controversial, the government should not act under any kind of pressure because the provisions of this agreement would not be beneficial for the country," said Ram Madhav, spokesman of RSS. The advice of the RSS to the government came in a resolution adopted at its all-India representatives' meeting held in Nagpur yesterday. Madhav said the separation of nuclear facilities and throwing the civilian sector open to inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was fraught with serious implications. He went on to say that New Delhi should draw up a long-term nuclear policy for the country after taking into confidence all the political parties and specialists in defence and foreign policy. The deal, agreed to in principle, seeks to give nuclear-armed India access to long-denied US nuclear equipment and fuel to meet its soaring energy needs. But it has hit obstacles as the United States insists that a plan to separate India's civilian and nuclear facilities, on which the deal rests, must be credible and transparent to prevent proliferation. India's powerful nuclear establishment is uneasy about details of the civilian and military separation plan, especially Washington's desire to see a large chunk of India's 22 nuclear reactors placed under international safeguards. The United States, meanwhile, has said it still had differences with India on finalising a landmark nuclear deal, but both sides were trying to sew up the pact before President Bush visits New Delhi on March 1.

Bush prefers cricket over Bollywood flicks

     Washington: Strange though it may seem, but US President George W Bush likes the very non-American sport of cricket. Although he admitted he knew little about the sport and had little chance to learn about it, he nevertheless considered it to be a great pastime. He said that given a choice between Bollywood movies and cricket, he would choose cricket. "I'm a cricket match person. I appreciate it. As I understand it, I may have a little chance to learn something about cricket. It's a great pass-time," the Daily Times quoted Bush as saying. Stephen Hadley, National Security Adviser said that President Bush would also be watching a bit of cricket in Pakistan during his visit to the Subcontinent.

Hyderabad gears up to welcome Bush

     Hyderabad: Preparations are on full swing at hotel ITC Hotel Kakatiya Sheraton Towers in Hyderabad where US President George W Bush is expected to stay for a few hours on the forenoon of March 3, the last day of his three-day official visit to India. The exterior and the interiors of the hotel have been spruced up to welcome the all-important guest. The US President's advance team has occupied 127 of the 189 rooms in the hotel. The latest bird flue scare in India has not dented the preparations for the hotel staff as they say that they are well - equipped to handle the situation. Kuldeep Bhartee, general manager of the hotel, while highlighting the safety measures said that the hotel had its in-house laboratory as well. "We have very sound and safe practices in terms of safety - safety not only in terms of guest's stay, but also in terms of the food, which comes into the hotel. And we have our own laboratory in the hotel, which tests the food everyday when it comes in the hotel," he said. "We carry out tests everyday. So we have no reasons to worry about. That was also one of the main criteria as well of getting selected," he added.

     Bush, who arrives in New Delhi on March 1, will be given a ceremonial reception on the next day. He will hold discussions with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the same afternoon and President APJ Abdul Kalam will host a banquet in his honour in the evening. He will also address a select gathering on the evening of March 3 in the backdrop of 16th century 'Purana Quila' in the capital.

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