Amid Indo-Pak standoff, CISF to now check cargo, in-line baggage at airports as security stepped up

Indian Express

10-05-2025

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has asked the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to provide additional security cover to cargo operations and the in-line hold baggage screening system (ILHBSS) across Indian civil airports.
The decision has been taken in the wake of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam and the subsequent security scenario in the country.
In a press statement, the chief spokesperson, DIG Ajay Dahiya (CISF), said in a significant decision to boost security across Indian civil airports, the director general of the BCAS has issued an official memorandum on May 9, temporarily extending the role of the CISF as the Aviation Security Group (ASG) to provide additional security cover to cargo operations and the ILHBSS.
'This arrangement, effective from May 9 to May 18, is a direct response to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam and the subsequent security scenario in the country. The enhancement of CISF's mandate is essential to reinforce security arrangements at all civil airports,' he said.
'CISF has responded immediately and resumed oversight over cargo and baggage operations. CISF will oversee operations and the security staff of airport operators for ILHBSS. The directives also authorise CISF personnel to perform random checks and oversee access control to these critical facilities. All the airports under the cover of CISF have already implemented the new strengthened system,' Dahiya said.
'Prior to this directive, CISF's deployment as the primary aviation security force did not explicitly extend to the direct security and screening of cargo operations and the in-line hold baggage screening system. The decision aims to introduce a crucial secondary layer of security checks to enhance Aviation Security,' he added.
On Friday afternoon, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the prevailing situation along India's border with Pakistan and airports in the country. The meeting came hours after the Border Security Force (BSF) said it had foiled an infiltration bid from across the international border in Jammu.
'Apart from reviewing the security situation along the India-Pakistan border, Shah also took stock of the steps taken to beef up security at airports across the country,' a source said.