Security during CWG, a matter of grave concern: Dikshit

"We are going to host the Commonwealth Games for the first time and security is a matter of grave concern to all of us. We would like the Games to be peaceful," she said. Dikshit was speaking at the inauguration of IFSEC India 2009, a three-day long exhibition on commercial, homeland security and fire technology here. She said that across the globe, there are security concerns from not only a social or national perspective but also from the domestic perspective.

"The participants numbering about 250 at the exhibition is in itself a sign of growing awareness, the growing need and also the innovations that have been brought out constantly to see that all of us feel secure," Dikshit said. About 250 firms from 16 countries, including Israel, the US and the UK, displayed their high-end products including armoured carriers, bullet-proof vehicles, security and safety equipment. The exhibition also showcased anti-riot equipment, bullet proof clothing, night vision devices, surveillance and counter surveillance equipment, radar tracking devices, electronic devices inclusive of command and control systems and wireless and communication equipment.

According to a report commissioned by British Security Industry Association, the security and fire market in India, which was estimated to be about USD 530 million in 2007, is growing at a rate of about 25 per cent annually. There is no official valuation of the Indian security market but experts put the figure at about USD 600 million. The exhibition will also hold a conference on 'Counter Terror India 2009' which will draw senior level security officials and experts from the public sector as well as private firms as participants.