Headlines
Obama visit ends, security forces heave loud sigh of relief
New Delhi, Jan 27
A sense of relief spread like
crisp mountain air among the security personnel in the national
capital, snapping the tension and fatigue of the past several days as US
President Barack Obama rounded up his three-day state visit to India
Tuesday.
Obama and his wife Michelle reached the VVIP terminal of
Indira Gandhi Airport around 1.45 p.m. in his official vehicle, The
Beast, and took off at 1.55 p.m. in his Air Force One plane.
During
his state visit Jan 25-27, Obama attended the Republic Day celebrations
as the chief guest in the national capital and focused on improving
relations between two of the worlds's largest democracies.
India's
Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), Intelligence Bureau, Special
Protection Group (SPG), National Security Guard (NSG) and paramilitary
forces along with over 20,000 Delhi Police officers worked together to
ensure Obama's safety by maintaining a tight vigil and a multi-layer
security ring around him during his visit.
Special forces such as
the quick response teams and fire service officials were also placed on
high alert through the Obama visit.
"The capital city is already
on high alert following terror threats. But, yes, there is a sense of
relief now that the US president's visit is over," an official said.
Even the traffic police were out in full force as certain roads were blocked during his visit.
The
Central Industrial Security Force, which was in charge of security
arrangements in the airport area, had deployed additional contingents
when Obama reached the VVIP Terminal area of the airport.
Union Minister Piyush Goel, Foreign Secretary Sujata Singh along with a few officials went to the airport to see him off.
Obama left for Saudi Arabia to offer his condolences to the Saudi royal family following the death of King Abdullah.