More security at Nedumbassery

Kochi, Aug 10 (UNI) Following intelligence inputs about a 'specific threat' to airports in the country, security measures are being stepped up at the Nedumbassery airport, official sources said.

Random checking of vehicles would be carried out and plain clothes surveillance teams deployed at the airport from tomorrow, they said.

While declining to share details of the intelligence, officials told UNI 'certain inputs' had been received earlier today about a 'specific threat' to airports.

Following this, a high-level meeting was convened by Airport Director A C K Nair this afternoon. It was attended by officials of the Kerala Police, Central Industrial Security Force, intelligence agencies, airline representatives and senior customs and immigration officials.

'It has been decided that multi-layered security arrangements, which were to be put in place following a high alert from the Centre, will be implemented immediately,' the officials said.

CISF Commandant K C Suresh Kumar had earlier said the multi-layered security measures would include 'naka' checkpoints, zigzag barriers and plain-clothes 'terminal marshals' in addition to 'quick reaction teams' and closed-circuit television.

The 'terminal marshals', who would be CISF sharpshooters in mufti, would be deployed from tomorrow. They would be armed with modern weapons such as AK-47s.

The Centre had directed x x x picking up from para five of MS 37 (Aviation Kerala Security) UNI ARC AA MSJ VV1931