Airports on Alert, Security Heightened at All Airstrips Amid India-Pakistan Tension
The BCAS has asked authorities to enhance random check at the entry of terminal building.
New Delhi, March 2: Amid tension between India and Pakistan since the February 14 Pulwama attack, the government on Saturday issued an alert asking all airports in the country and airlines to 'enhance the existing security measures'. The alert, issued by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), has been sent to senior police officials of all states, in-charges of security at all airlines and airports, and officers of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
"In view of the intelligence input in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack and subsequent developments, it is imperative to enhance the existing security measures being taken at all the civil aviation installations like airports, airstrips, airfields, air force stations, helipads, flying schools, aviation training institutes etc. so that no untoward incident takes place," the alert notification read. Samjhauta Express Services Resume From Tomorrow After India and Pakistan Agree to Operationalise Train.
Airline and airport authorities have been asked to implement 20 specific enhanced security measures that include “strict access control to regulate entry into terminal building, airside, all operational area and other aviation facilities”. The BCAS has directed “enhanced screening of passengers, including 100 per cent full pat-down search at pre-embarkation security checkpoint”.
According to the alert notification, authorities will do intense checking of vehicles entering the parking area and no vehicle should be parked in front of the terminal building. Screening of passengers, staff, and hand baggages should be enhanced. The BCAS has also suggested “strengthening of anti-terrorism/anti-sabotage measures and placement of quick response teams” at all airports. US Seeks Information on Potential Misuse of F-16 by Pakistan.
Another measure is — strict on ground monitoring of regulatory guidelines for operations of non-conventional aerial platform like microlight aircraft, aero models, paragliders, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), drones, power hang gliders and hot air balloons. According to the alert notification, “QRT and perimeter patrolling” has to be strengthened too. QRTs are part of the CISF only, which is in-charge of security at various airports across the country.
The BCAS has asked authorities to enhance random check at the entry of terminal building, including utilization of bomb detection and disposal squads and dog squads at the entry point. The alert notification also asks authorities to “enhance surveillance in and around the aviation installations” and specific monitoring of “flights/helicopters/UAV/ UAS/drones/gliders/hot air balloons from airports/helipads/airfield around Delhi National Capital region”.
Regarding catering, the alert notification said, “Inspection by the chief security officer of the airline concerned from the presetting stage to vehicle check and entry into airside. Airport Security Unit/Aviation Security Group to ensure thorough check of the vehicle through under view mirror, cabin search etc and checking of the driver and attendant and their ID matching of signatures”. Pakistan Lie Busted Again! Lockheed Martin Not Suing India For Claiming MiG-21 Shot Down F-16 Fighter Jet.
There would be “no issuance of visitor entry passes till further notice”, it said and directed strict monitoring of non-scheduled flight operations including air ambulance. The BCAS also called for “thorough search and anti-sabotage check of the aircraft by the airline concerned and its guarding to ensure no unauthorized access to the aircraft… to ensure that no unauthorized person gains access to aero bridge”.
The tension between India and Pakistan have reached a peak after the Pulwama attack in which 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives and subsequent air strike by the Indian Air Force on Jaish-e-Mohammed camp in Balakot. (With agency inputs)
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 02, 2019 06:01 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).