Unprecedented security on airports after attack threat

Chennai, Nov 9 (UNI) Security has been further strengthened at the domestic and International airports here following the receipt of a letter at Tiruchirapalli airport yesterday threatening ''car bomb attacks'' at Chennai, Tiruchirapalli, Coimbatore, Madurai airports and the airports in Kerala.

Police sources here said as per the suggestion of the Bureau of Civil Aviation security, a high-level meeting was convened at airport yesterday in which top police, Intelligence, security, airport Director and immigration officials reviewed security measures.

They decided to regulate the movement of autorickshaws inside the airport and not to allow them to be parked in the premises for more than ten minutes.

The sources said it was also decided that cars coming to the airport can be parked inside the airport for not more than three hours after which the bomb squad would make a thorough check of the cars.

Any vehicle entering the airport would be allowed only after a three-tier check-up.

Airport Director Dinesh Kumar said permission has been sought to ban the entry of visitors into the airport, from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security and AAI authorities Delhi.

Meanwhile, City police Commissioner Ms Letika Saran told newsmen here that security measures had been enhanced in and around the airport with armed police posted at all vulnerable points, round the clock.

She said not only the vehicles going to the airport, but also those passing the airport arena were being screened round the clock.

The movement of people from other states and foreigners was also being monitored strictly, she said.

She also pointed out that all the lodging houses have been asked to provide full details about their guests, to the nearest police stations.

She saod that additional security measures have also been made at the Koyambedu moffusil bus terminal, important railway stations, including Chennai Central and Egmore, and other crowded places in and around the city.

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