The Metropolitan police have mounted an unprecedented security operation as tens of thousands of protesters converged in London on April 1 for a series of demonstrations during Thursday’s G-20 summit to be attended by world leaders, including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Security officials fear that peaceful demonstrations may be hijacked by elements intent on using violence and causing disruptions. Demonstrators have reached London from various parts of the UK as well as nearby countries n Europe. At least four ‘carnival parades’ are expected to culminate in a major demonstration outside the Bang of England, to highlight job cuts and recession in recent months.
The G-20 Meltdown website says the focus will be on "thrusting into the very belly of the beast: The Bank of England". It adds: "Their tax-dodging, bonus-guzzling, pension-pinching, unregulated free market world’s in meltdown." Demonstrations are planned today in London and anti-war groups are expected to gather outside the US Embassy and at Trafalgar Square. More protests are expected near the G20 conference centre on April 2.
London’s Metropolitan Police is in the forefront of the security operation that includes personnel from five other police forces. The security operation is reported to cost 7.5 million pounds.
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