Hyderabad: Even as a country-wide manhunt has been launched for the man who placed the bag containing a low intensity Improvised Explosive Device (IED) near the ticket counter at the exit of the Manguluru airport, which was later defused on Monday, air travellers can expect more stringent checks across all airports, at least till this month end.
Due to the enhanced security checks, travellers should leave for airports early as the screening time for passengers and vehicles approaching the terminals has increased.
According to Central Industrial Security Force officials, secondary ladder point security checks — wherein passengers are frisked once again before they board the aircraft — is being made mandatory. Besides, all vehicles approaching the terminals are being checked thoroughly.
“We advise passengers to arrive at the airport at least three hours before their scheduled flight for the next few days due to the enhanced security checks,” a CISF official told Deccan Chronicle.
According to the CISF, which is in charge of security at all airports in the country, all airports are now on ''high red alert'' till January 26 and even beyond.
Simultaneously, the Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) of the CISF have stepped up vigil and are patrolling in the vicinity of airports in their armoured vehicles. “Airports are under constant threat and we keep reviewing the security. The Manguluru incident was a well planned operation and we are taking all precautions. But air travellers must cooperate,” officials said.
A country-wide manhunt has been launched by all the security agencies to nab the man who was caught on CCTV outside the Mangalore airport. “All CISF personnel at the airports, railway protection force and local police of all states have been provided with the photograph of the suspect,” sources said. The suspect has not yet been identified.
Airports were on the highest alert possible after the Centre scrapped Article 370 and divided Jammu and Kashmir into two Union territories. But with the latest IED being found at Mangalore airport, the CISF is on tenterhooks, especially with January 26, Republic Day, approaching fast.
