Airports on red alert after I-Day threat

BANGALORE: Security at airports across India has been tightened following specific intelligence information that terrorists may target them on Independence Day.

A Central Industrial Security Force spokesman told DNA from New Delhi: “We have beefed up security to be prepared for any attack. The threat this time is considered more serious than ever in the wake of the 11/7 Mumbai blasts.”

The CISF handles security at all airports in the country. Entry restrictions have been made more stringent at major airports. Checks have been extended beyond terminals to areas such as car parks. “We are even checking two-wheelers,” an officer at the Chennai airport said.

Security personnel, however, are concerned by the lack of equipment that can help them keep up with the increasing sophistication of terrorists.

Security professionals at Delhi airport believe car bombs may be the preferred mode of attack. “Every care is being taken to screen vehicles entering the airport premises,” an officer said.

Sanjay Prakash, senior commandant of the CISF at Mumbai airport, said the agency is awaiting a formal notice from authorities in New Delhi. “But we have taken necessary precautions to tackle any attack,” he said.

Though the terrorists have gone hi-tech, the planting of bomb is a human enterprise, said a top officer. “So we are watching every person walking into the airport.”