Security at airports to be hassle-free but strong: CISF

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is working to make security processes at airports "simple and hassle-free" as it prepares to build an effective defence framework to thwart possible terror threats, including lone wolf attacks, at these facilities.

Addressing the annual press conference here on Tuesday on the occasion of its 48th Raising Day on March 10, CISF Director General O P Singh said the force was testing and analysing a plethora of smart gadgets like full body scanners and smart CCTVs to make air travel more "secure, safe and easy."

He said the force has been mandated by the government to take over security duties of all civil airports of the country in the near future.

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) presently guards 59 airports, including the most sensitive ones at Delhi and Mumbai, and at least 39 more are in the offing. "We are witnessing rapid changes world over when it comes to security of places like airports or Delhi Metro, which is used by lakhs of people every day. We are working to enhance passenger experience and ensure some simple but engaging processes for security, especially at the airports," Singh said.

He said the 1.45 lakh-strong force will "network and integrate" the security paraphernalia, including bolstering of manpower, and a concept paper or white paper to standardise security protocols of this sector is being prepared.

On being asked whether lone wolf attacks was a potential threat to airport security, Singh said, "All the security concerns like behavioural analysis and situational awareness, including the one you pointed out will be included in the concept paper."

The CISF Director General said the force has written to airport operators and other government agencies to get bullet-proof and armoured vehicles for its quick reaction teams, stationed at these facilities for counter-terror tasks.

The force is provided with all gadgets, weapons and vehicles by the client firm or the entity where it is deployed. Singh said the electronic perimeter intrusion detection systems deployed at large airports like Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad are being analysed and fine-tuned to ensure fool proof security.

Meanwhile, the CISF is also raising a Special Tactics Wing (STW) at officer's Training Academy, National Industrial Security Academy (NISA) Hyderabad for the tactical capacity building to have an enhanced combat and tactical advantage against the terrorists attack and other threats at vital installations in the country.

Following the tactics of SWAT, the STW will cater to the needs of hypersensitive airports, Delhi metro, and sensitive units in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected districts. The unit will train the men and officers for building an enhanced combat and tactical advantage against the terrorist's attack and other threats to the vital installation of guarded by the CISF.

Moreover, Banaras Hindu University has already raised their demand for protection by CISF to 'tackle the student problem' said O P Singh on Tuesday. He also added, "22 educational organisations have also sought CISF protection cover to tackle problems inside the university campus.