Delhiiteson Saturday received a pat on their back from HomeMinister P Chidambaram for being better behaved during the Commonwealth Games.
The minister said the behaviour of Delhiites has improvedin the last 15 days and hoped the behavioural changes are not temporary.
"I sincerely hope it is not a temporary change. I hope whateverchange has come about remains forever. People must drive in lanes, people mustnot park cars in non-parking areas, people must not jump red lights.
"People must obey traffic regulations, traffic restrictions. Peoplemust learn to respect policemen and policewomen," he said.
He said people in fact have learnt to accept that tight, stringentsecurity arrangements are "necessary today in the modern world especiallyin a modern city and people have to learn to live and adjust their behaviourconsistent with the security arrangements."
He also said that along with Delhiites, police behaviour has alsochanged."Policemen and policewomen guarding the Games venues and Village havealso now learnt to say things with a smile, say things politely, use politerand more refined language."
He said it is very important that this changed behaviour of both thepolice forces and the people remains forever.
"We can say that the Commonwealth Games changed the behaviour ofDelhiites and that change is for better," he said.
Chidambaram also said that while everyone had something negative to sayabout one arrangement or the other, "I am very gratified that no one hasfound anything negative about the security arrangements."
Speaking to the members of the first Nagaland Mahilla Battalion whichwas deployed for the Games, he said, "You have done a splendid job and Iwould like to warmly congratulate you for the outstanding work you have done inthe last two weeks."
Meanwhile, Chidambaram in a letter addressed to Delhi Police Chief Y SDadwal has congratulated everyone for the foolproof security cover.
"I wish to express my appreciation of the splendid achievement ofDelhi Police in making foolproof security arrangements for the CommonwealthGames. I offer you and your team - down to the newly recruited constables - mywarm congratulations rising to the occasion and for winning the gratitude ofeveryone concerned, especially the athletes and spectators," Chidambaramsaid in the letter.
The minister said the Games would not have been a success had it notbeen for the foolproof security arrangements.
He also congratulated the paramilitary forces, particularly the venuecommanders.
Chidambaram said he would be writing to all venue commanders and shallbe grateful if the letters are placed in the Annual Confidential Report ofthese officers.
Over a lakh security personnel including commandos were deployed for thesecurity of the October 3-14 event.