CISF to man airport security at Bangalore

The decision to entrust the airport security to the CISF was taken in the wake of severe criticism the BCAS faced after the recent hijacking of the Indian Airlines plane from Kathmandu. Questions were raised about the unprofessional and incompetent security at Indian airports including the international airports.

It is learnt the BCAS wants to do away with the State Police’s role in maintaining airport security so as to do away with vested interests and unprofessional attitudes. It is believed that the CISF, unlike the State Police, would be a neutral, non-partisan and professional outfit.

Recently, the BCAS had conducted a mock hijacking drill at the Bangalore airport and observed many security lapses. Some of the findings and corrective steps required have already been conveyed to the Airport Security Wing of the State Police Department. All this is said to have prompted the BCAS to change the security agency at the Bangalore airport.

The CISF is presently entrusted with the security of many vital and sensitive installations including defence projects in the country.

According to sources, CISF has already taken over the security at Jaipur and Hyderabad airports and in the due course would move into other airports. The BCAS will impart specialised training to the CISF personnel, especially on the aspects of passenger-handling. However, it is not known whether the CISF would raise a separate wing for airport security or draw personnel from the existing organisation for the job.

Aviation experts feel that a mere switch over from the police department to CISF may not improve the security at airports. The CISF should raise a separate wing for airport security, and the securitymen should be given special training in tune with the guidelines laid down by the BCAS.

Experts also feel that it is time authorities introduced close-circuit TVs and electronic surveillance systems to step up the vigil in sensitive zones. None of the Indian airports, including those in the four metros, have advanced security systems that are available in airports the world over.