In the wake of intelligence inputs that Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai may become the target of terrorists, the Centre has issued an advisory to all neighbouring States of Maharashtra to remain in a high state of alert.
Police chiefs of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Goa have been asked by the Central security agencies to be fully alert to thwart any possible design of terrorists to plan an attack on the airport in India’s bustling commercial capital, sources in the Home Ministry said on Tuesday.
Similarly, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) which is entrusted with the responsibility of providing security at all airports in the country has also been put on alert.
A specific input, culled out by the intelligence agencies, suggested that terrorists may try to use a small aircraft or a helicopter to target the country’s busiest airport in Mumbai, the sources said.
The Centre has also asked the police chiefs to put small aircraft and private helicopters under strict vigil before they are allowed to fly. The sources said the Centre has also directed that unused airstrips and private helipads be brought under the strict watch of local law enforcement agencies.
Following the advisory, the States concerned have taken a number of steps to step up security in some specified areas, the sources said. Some of the e-mails, received by media houses after the Delhi High Court bomb blast last week, had also spoken about targeting shopping malls.
