The Indian government has ordered all passengers at all airports to undergo secondary checks amid escalating tensions with Pakistan. The development came even as several airports remained shut and hundreds of flights were cancelled following Operation Sindoor. Visitor entry to terminals were also halted this week and airport operators have been ordered to ensure that all CCTV cameras were in working condition.
According to reports, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has made it mandatory for passengers to undergo secondary ladder point security or pre-boarding checks at all airports. There will also be intense checking of vehicles at all airport terminals, proper checking of IDs before entry into the premises and and random checking of passenger baggage.
“In view of the recent attack in Pahalgam and subsequent surcharged security scenario, it is necessary to enhance security measures at all the civil aviation installations like airports, airstrips, airfields, air force stations, helipads, flying schools, aviation training institutes so that no untoward incident takes place in the country. Accordingly, utmost precautions need to be taken by all the stakeholders,” Times of India quoted the BCAS order as saying.
Airlines in India have suspended flight operations from more than two dozen airports across northern and western regions of the country this week amid heightened tensions with Pakistan. Many states have also announced the closure of schools, blackouts in border districts, and cancellation of leave of police personnel and administration officials.
“Pakistan escalated the situation, we only responded. Choice is with Pakistan…Our approach is not to escalate the situation, we only responded to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack,” said Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri during a briefing on Thursday evening.
The situation has however continued to escalate with Pakistan launching several strikes in Jammu and other parts of northern India later in the night.
(With inputs from agencies)