Hyderabad, January 26: Last weekend starting from Friday, there was heavy passenger rush at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. But on the eve of the country’s 60th Republic Day, the airport is not that crowded.
Inside, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), responsible for anti-hijack and anti-sabotage checks at the airport, had intensified its vigil.
The highest threat perception in the Capital is reportedly at the IGI Airport following specific intelligence inputs regarding a hijack attempt on an Air India flight to a SAARC country.
Together with the Delhi Police, the city-side security arrangements have turned the IGI Airport into a fortress.
“Checking has been intensified at the city-side of IGI Airport’s domestic as well as international terminals. Special pickets have been put up. The heightened security arrangements would last till the high alert is withdrawn,” Deputy Commissioner of Police (IGI Airport) O P Mishra told.
Mishra said anyone visiting the airport’s city-side should be prepared for random checking by police personnel. This could also lead to intensified questioning if the police officials get suspicious about any person on the airport’s city-side, he added.
Secondary ladder point checking (SLPC) has been made mandatory for all domestic and international flights, though security agencies admit this is bound to delay flights with regard to elaborate frisking of passengers just before they enter the aircraft.
“But passenger safety is of prime importance,” a senior official said.
CISF spokesperson, Rohit Katiyar, said stringent security arrangements were in place, and the CISF is keeping a tight vigil at the IGI Airport.
The National Security Guards (NSG), who specialise in anti-hijack procedures, are also on high alert. The NSG camps are situated close to the airport in Samal Khan.
“The NSG quick reaction teams are also on alert. The camp is very close to the airport for quick assistance and timely reaction in case of any eventuality,” an airport source said.
—Agencies