Ultras pushing limits to hit aviation sector: Rajnath

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday asked the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and Central Industrial Security Forces (CISF) to infuse new technology for security in aviation. He asked them to ensure “a judicious blend” of trained human resources and modern security infrastructure to for foolproof security at airports.

While addressing a two-day seminar on 'international aviation security' here, he called for cooperation among all stakeholders in the aviation sector, he underlined that terrorists are pushing their "limits" and "underpants" to attack global civil aviation operations.

"The Use of innovative methods to launch attacks on the aviation sector are already in plenty. The case of the shoe bomber in 2001, the use of liquid explosives in London in 2006 and the case of the underwear bomber in Amsterdam in 2009, clearly indicate that terrorists are pushing the limits and even their underpants to hit the aviation sector," Singh said.

The minister also asked aviation security agencies in the country to undertake "perspective planning" to thwart possible terror-like threats to aviation facilities.

“Civil Aviation security continues to be an extremely challenging task as the sector remains an important target for terror outfits. Terrorists always look for opportunities where they can draw the maximum attention and media coverage,” he said.

Underlining that the civil aviation sector was highly sensitive and high profile in nature, the minister said that there was not “the slightest space” for relaxation in aviation security. He said, “We should adhere to stricter implementation of internationally agreed guidelines and norms.”

He stressed on ensuring the security of the smaller airports in the country, saying the strength of any chain is determined by the strength of its smallest unit.

“Therefore, the security of these (40) smaller airports should never be ignored. The Brussels and Istanbul airport attacks have shown the vulnerability of airports, especially from the city side, and they highlight new threats to aviation facilities,” he said.

The CISF and other security agencies should undertake "untiring and sincere efforts to maintain foolproof security" at airports, which are thronged by lakhs of travellers every day, he added.

The two-day seminar, which began here on Tuesday, is organised by the CISF, which currently guards 60 civil airports. Delegates from 18 countries and several airlines are here to participate in the event.