Security stepped up at Nedumbassery following ''specific threat''

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

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

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

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

''It has been decided that the 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 that the multi-layered security measures will include 'naka' checkpoints, zigzag barriers and plain clothed 'terminal marshals' in addition to 'quick reaction teams' and closed circuit televisions.

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

''The Centre had directed xxx Eds. here pick up from para 5 of MS37 AVIATION-KERALA-SECURITY.

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