Replies

ON THE INTERNET:

http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov/warden_information.html

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_4624.html

Note: Videos included.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Hijack-threat-AI-planes-put-on-high-alert/articleshow/5487289.cms

“Hijack threat, AI planes put on high alert”
PTI, 22 January 2010, 11:02am IST

SNIPPET: “NEW DELHI: Government has put all Air India planes operating in the country’s neighbourhood on high security alert and directed the airlines to deploy sky marshals following intelligence inputs that Pakistan-based LET and other terror groups were planning to hijack a flight. ( Watch Video )

A directive has been issued to all Indian missions abroad to sensitise the staff of the airlines, official sources said.

According to intelligence inputs, terrorist groups having allegiance with al-Qaida, Lashker-e-Taiba and Jamat-ul-Dawa were planning to hijack an Air India plane especially operating in or from SAARC countries — Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India as well. ( Watch Video )

Hijacking could be attempted by the terrorists from airports located at Yangon, Dhaka and Colombo. Security of planes operating to Bhutan has also been beefed up, the sources said.”

ADDING 1 link:

http://www.hindu.com/2010/01/23/stories/2010012360900100.htm

“Airports put on red alert”
by Vinay Kumar

“Intelligence inputs warn of a possible hijack”

SNIPPET: “NEW DELHI: The Union government on Friday ordered further strengthening of security at all airports and deployment of sky marshals on certain flights.

The directive came after intelligence inputs from security agencies and the Ministry of Home Affairs warned of a possibility of terror groups hijacking a flight operating from a South Asian country.

The level of security to counter the threat perception had been upgraded and the agencies in-charge of civil aviation security had taken all necessary steps, including the strengthening of anti-hijacking measures and the introduction of stepladder frisking, said the spokesperson of the Civil Aviation Ministry, which sounded the red alert.

“As per practice, intelligence agencies inform the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) on various inputs from time to time. Based on such inputs, the airlines security department, headed by a senior IPS officer, coordinates with various governmental agencies, including the BCAS and the Central Industrial Security Force to take the requisite measures,” the spokesperson said.

Para-military forces have been ordered to be deployed at strategic points at sensitive airports as well as around vital installations.

Air India confirmed it had initiated action at the airports concerned to counter any possible threat.”