Airports on high alert, but flights unaffected

THE DAY AFTER: MUMBAI ON THE MOVE

The government today said immediate security requirements were being put in place at all airports, which are on high alert after yesterday's serial blasts in Mumbai and Srinagar.

"A comprehensive programme for tighter security arrangement at all airports will be in place soon," Home Secretary VK Duggal said here after a meeting on airport security.

Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel appealed to the people to cooperate in dealing with the situation. "We also advise people to cooperate. They should not unnecessarily crowd airports," Patel said after the meeting with top officials of the ministry, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security and Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

Quick reaction teams of paramilitary forces have been deployed at major airports, especially in Mumbai, Delhi and other metros soon after last evening's blasts, officials said. The number of CISF personnel on duty at major airports have also been increased.

However, they added that flight operations would not be affected by the heightened security measures. Patel said all inputs, information and suggestions given by the home ministry would be considered and all precautionary measures taken. "We have generally been reactive to such attacks. We have to be pro-active now," the minister said.

The home secretary said passengers' cooperation was required not only during baggage and individual checks, but also in checking the number of people going inside or around airports.

Defending security agencies, Duggal said their active role had foiled a large number of attack attempts by terrorists in different parts of the country.