NEDUMBASSERY: Considering the increasing vulnerability of sensitive installations to extremist attacks, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at Cochin International Airport here has geared up to restructure and enforce foolproof security arrangements to make the airport impregnable.

A Central Government directive, which sought to streamline the security arrangements in airports across the country so as to bring about uniformity in security procedures and practices, is behind the new move, CISF Commandant K.C. Suresh Kumar said.

`Nakas Checkpoints', meant to serve as the first layer of security, would be set up at the airport entry points shortly. A CISF sub-inspector and a head constable would man these checkpoints. Zigzag barriers would be set up to check suspicious vehicles before they reach the terminal building, Mr. Suresh Kumar said.

A novel concept, Terminal Marshals, has been conceived, which will be implemented soon. As per this, sharpshooters in the CISF with expertise in countering extremist attacks will be deployed in civilian dress among the passengers and the public reaching the airport.

These men armed with modern weapons, including AK 47s, is expected to give a fillip to the security cover at present being provided to the airport.

The Quick Reaction Teams will be further strengthened, besides bringing forth an ingenious practice of "City Side Patrolling" which will ensure additional layers of security at the airport.

Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) has already been installed at vital points to capture and store visuals enabling the force to literally "keep an eye" over the movements at the airport.

``We have insisted for installing CCTV at the cargo centre also, which is devoid of the system,'' Mr. Suresh Kumar said.

A "three sticker system" for ensuring safe handling of the cargo is another prominent security measure to be implemented shortly.

Accordingly, perishable cargo will be tagged with red stickers; X-ray checked items would bear orange stickers, while cargo needing physical checks will be labelled using green stickers.

This process will be gradually taken over by the Aviation Security Group of CISF. At present, the airport staff screens and tags the cargo.

The existing Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) guidelines directing that the cargo manifest should have the approval of CISF before the cargo was loaded into aircrafts would be strictly implemented henceforth, Mr. Suresh Kumar said.

Touts and anti-social elements roaming around the airport premises will have a tough time, as the CISF is determined to restrict their activities with an iron hand with the aid of CCTV.

Those found dealing in illegal currency exchange and in possession of contrabands would be nabbed by the CISF and handed over to the police.

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