Bomb Threats to Indian Airlines Surge: Aviation Security Chiefs Meet with Union Home Secretary
The Indian aviation industry has recently been hit with a wave of bomb threats, causing widespread disruption and concern. On Monday, October 21, 2024, two of India’s top aviation security officers, Zulfiquar Hasan, Director General of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), and Rajwinder Singh Bhatti, Director General of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), met with Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan in New Delhi to discuss the alarming rise in these incidents. The high-level meeting took place at the Home Secretary’s office in North Block, lasting for about 30 minutes.
Bomb Threats – A Growing Concern
Bomb threats have become an increasingly persistent issue for Indian airlines. Over the weekend, nearly 100 flights were affected by these threats, forcing some to be diverted or canceled, leading to significant inconvenience for passengers. On Sunday alone, 25 flights were impacted by bomb threats. While these threats have so far been hoaxes, they have created chaos in the aviation sector and sent security agencies scrambling to manage the crisis.
This rise in threats comes on the heels of a growing trend that has left airlines, passengers, and security agencies in a constant state of alert. The situation has escalated to the point that senior aviation security leaders were compelled to meet with the Union Home Secretary to chart a course of action.
The Meeting at North Block
Though the exact details of the meeting have not been made public, sources suggest that the primary focus was on reviewing the current security protocols in place and identifying new measures to counteract this growing threat. Zulfiquar Hasan and Rajwinder Singh Bhatti, both highly experienced officers from the Indian Police Service, briefed the Home Secretary on the steps taken so far and the ongoing efforts to manage the situation.
Given the persistent nature of these threats and their potential to disrupt the aviation industry, it is likely that stricter measures will be put in place to deter future incidents.
Government Response and No-Fly List
Following the meeting, there are indications that the government may take stringent action against perpetrators of these threats. According to Rammohan Naidu, another key government figure, individuals who issue bomb threats to airlines could be placed on a no-fly list. This would serve as a significant deterrent, preventing them from flying in the future and ensuring stronger penalties for those responsible for causing such disruption.
Role of BCAS and CISF in Aviation Security
Both the BCAS and the CISF play critical roles in ensuring the security of Indian airports and airlines. The BCAS is responsible for laying down security standards for civil flights, both domestic and international, ensuring that India remains aligned with global aviation security practices. The BCAS also monitors security operations, trains personnel, and coordinates efforts to maximize the effectiveness of security measures while minimizing unlawful interference with aviation operations.
On the other hand, the CISF is responsible for guarding 68 civilian airports across India. With around 40,000 personnel deployed at these locations, the CISF provides counterterror security, frisking passengers, screening luggage, and ensuring the safety of airport premises.
What’s Next?
As the aviation industry faces mounting pressure to prevent bomb threats, it is crucial for security agencies to remain vigilant and adopt advanced security protocols. The meeting between top security officers and the Union Home Secretary signals the government’s commitment to addressing the issue, and passengers can expect heightened security measures at airports in the coming weeks.
With bomb threats continuing to cause disruption, the role of BCAS and CISF will become even more vital in safeguarding India’s aviation sector. Enhanced security procedures, stricter monitoring, and possibly more advanced technology to detect threats could be implemented soon, ensuring that passengers and airlines are better protected from such hoaxes.
Reference from :-https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/chiefs-of-bcas-cisf-meet-union-home-secretary-discuss-issue-of-bomb-threats-to-airlines/article68779495.ece