MHA asks for tightened security, warns of possible terror attack
What's the story
Following intelligence inputs regarding a possible terror attack, the Union home ministry has thrown caution to the wind and asked all state governments and security agencies to tighten security at airports, bus stands, train and metro stations. Intelligence reports had suggested that terrorists might be looking to launch a chemical attack by releasing toxic gases at crowded public places like train stations and airports.
Quote
The MHA's warning
"Central security agencies have intimated that terrorists are planning a range of attacks against commercial aviation targets," said the Ministry of Home Affairs to all states, the aviation ministry, and other concerned agencies.
Countermeasures
Security personnel have been asked to be thorough
The Civil Aviation Security has approached the CISF, Airports Authority of India, and JV Airports for stepping up airport security. Security personnel have been asked to keep a sharp lookout for any object which might be used to release deadly toxic gases in airports or aircraft. They have also been instructed to step up frisking and baggage checking at all checkpoints and transit points.
Chemical attacks
MHA stresses on likelihood of chemical attacks
The MHA said that terrorists could adopt chemical attacks over traditional explosives due to its low chances of getting detected, and ease of making. Toxic gases could be created with material available at hardware stores, or could be easily produced from easily available materials including pesticides, acids, chemical powders and so on.