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We’re the boss here, Mumbai cops tell Obama’s men

State declines demands for relaxation of several rules, including immigration checks.

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India is no more in the 1970s and 1980s, the state’s police and general administration seem to have made it clear to US security agencies and White House officials while driving a hard bargain over relaxation of security norms demanded by the latter.

The convoy of and security cover to US president Barack Obama will be led by the city police. Also, the White House cannot import guns or arms for its security personnel.

White House officials have had five to six meetings with the state’s officials and sought ‘flexibility’ and special relaxations for their teams visiting Mumbai and Delhi. But the officials here were not willing to entertain many of the requests.

“They wanted the immigration procedure to be waived at the arrival point at the international airport. They thought it would be cumbersome for the 3,000 people accompanying the president. They were told straightaway that our rules do not permit such relaxation and paperwork for every person entering the country will have to be done,” a top Mantralaya official said. Even access and entry permission at all events will be taken care of by the city police.

The official said the White House officials were denied permission to carry guns and other equipment. “Barring the security personnel in the innermost circle, no other security official is allowed to carry any weapon. The city police will be the final authority as far as security is concerned. After all, we can’t rely on a security force that is completely new to the culture and habits of the people here,” he added.    

The police and state officials have been upset at the White House decision that Obama would pay homage to 26/11 martyrs at the Taj Hotel. The state home department wanted the venue for the homage to be either the Police Gymkhana or the CST as more deaths were outside the five-star hotel.

The White House officials also wanted an assurance from the home department that photographs would not be clicked from adjoining buildings during Obama’s visit to the Mani Bhavan.

“Our officials were prompt enough to tell them that ours is a democratic country and we do no advocate too much restriction on the citizens,” the official said.

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