Hightened security alert at Delhi airport
By IANSSaturday, January 23, 2010
NEW DELHI - In the run up to Republic Day on Jan 26, the Delhi airport and the Hindon air base in nearby Ghaziabad were put on heightened alert Saturday, a day after intelligence inputs suggested that Pakistan-based militants could strike in India after acquiring para-gliding equipment.
“It is a routine alert done ahead of Republic Day,” a senior Indian Air Force (IAF) officer said, requesting anonymity.
All the air defence components have been raised to a state of utmost readiness.
“The Delhi Integrated Air Defence has been put on high alert. The air defence at the air bases in and around the capital will be in a state of readiness to counter any incoming threat from the sky,” the officer added.
Intelligence inputs Friday suggested that Islamist militants were planning major strikes in India after acquiring para-gliding equipment and were also plotting to target an Indian commercial flight, especially one bound for or returning from a South Asian country.
Security was put on high alert at airports across India and sky marshals ordered on flights amid reports that the para-gliders may be used to carry out airborne suicide attacks in the country.
The intelligence inputs ahead of Republic Day celebrations have prompted the authorities to ensure tight security around all vital installations.
