Airports on high alert as terror strikes feared ahead of New Year

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New Delhi : All airports in India has been put on high alert after the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) learned about possible terror strikes ahead of New Year celebrations.

The bureau has asked all the airports to maintain high level of vigil. "This is a vulnerable period. A number of instances have occurred in the past also when this period has been chosen by terrorists/antinational elements to perpetrate act of terrorism," the BCAS alert said.

The alert was issued after the BCAS learned that Pakistan-based terror outfits are intended to carry out attacks in India during this time frame.

“During 2017, IS inspired individuals have carried out gruesome attacks in other countries, targeting innocent civilians as well as police personnel. Perpetrators have initiated attacks by suicide bombing, using improvised explosive device-laden vehicle, stabbing, ramming vehicle into crowd and indiscriminate firing in crowded areas,” it further added, TOI reported.

The BCAS has also issued a number of steps for all the agencies to maintain the highest level of vigil and strengthen security measures. The steps include:

(a) Checking vehicles in car parking area

(b) Screening of passengers, staff, and visitors

(c) Increased random screening at the main gate

(d) Random checks at the entry of terminal building

(e) Intensive physical and electronic surveillance

(f) Enhanced behavior detection

(g) Enhanced screening of baggage, cargo, cargo terminal, catering, mails

(h) Presence of quick reaction teams, bomb disposal squad, dog squad at entry points.