Security at the airports across the country has been tightened following a terrorist attack on Pakistan’s largest airport in Karachi in which at least 28 people, including 10 terrorists, were killed.
“Security measures have been increased as per the standard operating procedures. Joint patrolling by the Delhi police and Central Industrial Security Force personnel are being carried out. Security personnel have also been asked to be more cautious during checking and frisking of passengers,” a senior Delhi police officer said.
Security has been beefed up at both the terminals of the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, the largest airport in the country, while additional barricades have been set up on roads leading to the airport and vehicles are being randomly checked.
While the Delhi Police is responsible for the outer most security ring at the airport, around 3,000 Central Industrial Security Force personnel are responsible for its internal security.
The CISF is also on alert and the men have been asked to be extra vigilant and on the lookout for any suspicious activity, an official said.
In a brazen attack on Sunday night, heavily armed Pakistani Taliban militants launched a major assault on Pakistan’s largest airport in Karachi in which at least 28 people, including 10 terrorists, were killed before security forces
On Monday eventually regained control over the key facility. Explosions and gunfire rang out as the attackers wearing military uniforms and suicide vests, and armed with grenades and rocket launchers attacked the airport in Karachi, Pakistan’s biggest city and financial hub.
Security has been tightened at both terminals of IGI Airport with CISF deploying over 5,000 men and officers to keep strict vigil. Delhi Police top brass held a meeting to augment the security apparatus while CISF has initiated several steps, including mounting surveillance on the vehicles, especially those entering the premises with passengers.
A spokesperson for the MHA said that Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh held a meeting here on Monday to review the security arrangements for airports in the country. The meeting was attended by heads of all concerned security agencies, including National Security Advisor (NSA), Director Intelligence Bureau, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), National Security Guard (NSG), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security as well as the Secretary, Civil Aviation, the Union Home Secretary and other senior officers.
The number of CISF Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) has been increased and all security personnel have been instructed to enhance their level of alertness. Steps to tighten access control to the airports and strengthen perimeter security have been taken. Anti-hijacking units at airports are carrying out mock drills. It was also decided to complete the security audits at all airports with a view to strengthen the security. Similar steps are also being taken in all sea ports.