The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) on Wednesday took over the security of the strategic Srinagar international airport.

The security unit will at the Srinagar airport be headed by a senior Commandant rank officer. The airport was earlier secured by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) that has major deployment in Jammu and Kashmir besides component of the Jammu and Kashmir police.  With this induction, total airports under CISF security cover raised to 62 as on date.

Special Director General of CISF Airport Sector M A Ganapathy was the chief guest on the occasion. The function was attended by senior officials of Airports authority of India, CRPF and representatives of Airlines operators (Air India, Air Asia, Indigo, Spice jet, Go Air etc.) and other stakeholders, the CISF said in a statement.

During the ceremony, Airport Director, Srinagar airport, Santosh Dhoke handed over a key replica to Commandant Srinagar airport, Amandeep Singh Dhaliwal as symbol of handing over of security to CISF. In his address, Ganapathy emphasized that coordinated efforts should be made by all government agencies and stakeholders to ensure security of Srinagar airport. 

After the function, SDG, Airport sector along with Commandant, Srinagar airport and Airport Director, Srinagar airport, AAI visited all the area of airport including terminal building and airside, and reviewed the security arrangement of the airport. Ganpathy also addressed the CISF personnel at the airport.

The CISF has deployed over 500 personnel to guard the premises, which includes frisking at the gate followed by comprehensive search ahead of boarding a flight.

The CISF, which has been tasked with security of all airports and government installations, will provide a "comprehensive anti-terror cover to the facility", a senior official said.

The CISF has deployed over 500 personnel to guard the premises, which includes frisking at the gate followed by comprehensive search ahead of boarding a flight.

The CISF is the designated Force for securing all the airports and other vital installations, including government buildings and industrial establishments in the defence and space sectors as also private sector. The CISF will provide a "comprehensive anti-terror cover to the facility", officials said.

The CISF will be guarding the airport premises while the CRPF and the Jammu and Kashmir Police will secure the outer perimeter.