Date:05/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/05/stories/2008120556041200.htm

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Air Chief: ready to counter aerial attacks

Sandeep Dikshit

NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force on Thursday asserted that it was prepared to ward off attempts of aerial attacks by terrorists.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal F. H. Major, told journalists that the report of such possible attacks was based on a warning received by the government.

“We are prepared as usual,” he told newspersons after laying a wreath along with the other Service chiefs at Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate on the occasion of Navy Day.

“The issue was discussed at yesterday’s meeting,” he said.

He was referring to the review meeting held by Defence Minister A. K. Antony with the three Service chiefs and Defence Secretary Vijay Singh.

Airports on alert

After receiving inputs from intelligence agencies about possible aerial strikes by terrorists, the airports in Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai were put on high alert. The intelligence agencies had reported that terrorists could have entered the country to perpetrate violence on the anniversary of the demolition of the Babri Masjid, which falls on Friday.

Sources close to the Defence Minister on Wednesday said Mr. Antony spoke to the Service chiefs about the possibility of terror attacks from airborne platforms similar to the 9/11 attacks in the United States. He had also sought greater coordination among all agencies – both defence and internal security, in such a way that available intelligence inputs became actionable.

The meeting discussed plans for coastal security and acquisition of systems and platforms such as coastal radars and interceptor boats.

The situation along the Line of Control and tightening of measures to prevent infiltration of terrorists were also discussed. Pakistan occupied Kashmir is known to be an important area for recruitment and training of terrorists, Mr. Antony had asserted.