Indian airports beef up security after terror alert

India's Union home ministry issued a "general alert" to airports across the country, mentioning Mumbai airport in particular, and asked security personnel to maintain a strict vigil not only in airport enclosures but also along roads leading to them.

They were also asked to keep an eye on the vehicles plying on these roads. The "non-specific" alert was reportedly issued late Thursday night.

Close on the heels of the alert, the Quick Reaction Teams of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) guarding the airports were put on a state of readiness and security heightened. Additional barricades were put up on roads leading to several airport complexes.

At the Indira Gandhi Airport in the Capital, CISF personnel set up extra barricades while making sure that passenger movement was not disrupted.

In Srinagar and Jammu, CRPF personnel intensified patrolling in the airport enclosures and a multi-tier security ring was thrown around the premises to thwart any attack.

Security was also beefed up at Hyderabad and Chennai airports, where security personnel were seen frisking every one entering the premises, including airport staff. Even the international airport near Kochi raised its security level.

Passengers were frisked and their baggage thoroughly checked and vehicles approaching the airport were flagged down and inspected.

In a related development, the representatives of the Airports Authority of India, all airlines, the CISF and other agencies met at the NSC Bose airport Thursday in response to the nationwide alert.

CISF Commandant Sanjay Prakash said that all the airlines had been asked to ensure that their staff frisked each person entering the aircraft for any purpose, including cleaning, sweeping or bringing in catering material.

Also, that every item, including foodstuff, that went on board should be checked so that no weapon found its way to the plane.

He said: "The CISF would assist in frisking or any other surveillance work if need be." He said the number of people on the security detail had been increased.