Al-Qaeda threat: Security in K'taka airports tightened

Bangalore, Nov 9 (UNI) Security at airports in Karnataka was beefed up and a high alert sounded at Bangalore and Mangalore airports following al-Qaeda's threat to targed South Indian airports.

Director General of Police B S Sial, while confirming the receipt of advisory sent by the Commissioner of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security with regard to the threat, said security by the State police had been tightened at Bangalore and Mangalore international airports as well as in minor airports at Belgaum and Hubli.

Speaking to UNI, he said, ''I have asked Commissioners of Police and the SPs in these cities to extend all cooperation to central security forces manning the airports. Passenger and baggage checking as well as ladder checking is being carried out. Additional forces have been deployed in all entry and exit points of the airports.'' CISF Commandant in charge of Bangalore airport Udayan Banerjee said all measures that such situation warranted had been taken.

There was no panic situation. All possible anti-sabotage and anti-hijack measures had been put in place, he added.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) officials said the flights operated normally and flight schedules had not been affected in any way following the tightening of security.

Mr Vasudeva Rao, AAI Director at Mangalore, said security had been strengthened at the airport. All those security personnel who had gone on leave had been asked to return to duty immediately.

Passengers and their baggages were being screened.

UNI RS-MA GD KD MIR RN1748