ISLAMABAD, Feb 18: About 2000 personnel from the Army will be deployed to provide a security net for the 9th SAF Games that go into action on March 29. Lt. Gen Syed Arif Hasan, chairman of the Games organizing committee told Dawn on Wednesday that besides that figure , a fairly large number of policemen will also be deputed to provide foolproof security.

"We are leaving nothing to chance as even a minor incident could spoil the show," said Arif under whom immaculate preparations have been made for the Games. High-tech surveillance equipment has been procured and all Games venues and team hotels would be closely guarded. "We have everything in place for the smooth conduct of the Games."

Arif has brought in a new head of security in Brig Qazi Jan who has replaced Brig Zaheerullah Khan. Around 14500 athletes and officials from India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Nepal and Afghanistan will be landing on Islamabad. India alone will be dispatching a 380- strong contingent.

Meanwhile, Arif said that except for some minor areas, preparations for the Games were almost complete. "Even if we are told to stage the event next week we wouldn't have a problem." The 9th edition of the Games now finally looks set to take off after three successive postponements because of varying reasons.