INDIA. The country’s airports are on high alert for terrorist attacks related to the long-running Kashmiri dispute between India and Pakistan.
Local reports said that stringent security measures, including the reimposition of a ban on liquids and gels being taken onboard airlines, have been imposed following warnings from intelligence agencies that Kashmiri terrorists may hijack a plane.
“Security at all airports has been increased after the ministry received a warning from the intelligence agencies,” said a Civil Aviation Ministry spokesperson.
Quoted by India News.com, he added: “The alert was sounded four days ago and since then the airports in the country have been on high alert.
Said another official: “The airlines have been advised to inform passengers to reach airports well ahead of time so that there are no delays due to security checks. Security at all airports has been tightened and the ministry is closely working with security agencies.”
Indo-Asian News Service quoted a senior official of the Central Industry Security Force, which guards Indian airports. He said: “January is generally a month of high alert due to the Republic Day celebrations. But now we also have specific intelligence inputs that Kashmiri militants may hijack a plane.
“We are frisking all passengers and random security checks are conducted even after boarding passes are issued,” he added.
India airports were put on high security alert last year following an anonymous warning that Al Qaeda was targeting certain facilities. Islamic groups have been fighting in India’s part of Kashmir since 1989, demanding the predominantly Muslim region’s independence or its merger with Pakistan.
MORE STORIES ON INDIAN AIRPORTS
Global air passenger numbers to double by 2025, says new ACI study – 03/01/07
Cochin Airport, Alpha Kreol and Diageo team up for festive mega-promotion – 26/12/06
HMSHost confirmed as food & beverage concessionaire at Bangalore Airport – 14/12/06
