Security high at airport; may be beefed up more for Republic Day
If the sight of a sea of cops manning almost every inch of the Delhi airport had surprised you earlier, be ready to expect a few more of them in the coming days.
Even weeks after the Mumbai terror attacks, when security in Delhi was heightened, the Indira Gandhi International Airport continues to be on high security alert. Para-military personnel and cops guard the premises, despite any immediate threat.
While revisiting the domestic terminal, MiD DAY and Radio One found that the security was even tighter than what it was a couple of weeks ago. Armed personnel from fortified pickets guarded the entry and exit points of the airport as a Quick Reaction Team stood ready to handle any untoward event. Sources in para-military forces said that the level of alertness at the airport will be maintained till the Republic Day.
"The airport is a potential terror target so there will be no relaxation in the security there. In fact, it may go up," said a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) official, wishing not to be named.
Every passenger was being thoroughly frisked. "Earlier, passengers used to resent such meticulous frisking but now no one complains," said the CISF personnel.
The travellers too seemed satisfied with the security arrangement.
"Such high security makes us feel safe. It's good to see security personnel being so alert," said Amanjeet Singh, a 28-year-old business executive, who was on his way to catch a flight to Bengaluru.
