Sunday, May 18, 2025

Amit Shah Reviews Border, Airport Security

AMIT SHAH vb 19

New Delhi, May 9: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday reviewed the prevailing situation along India’s border with Pakistan and airports in the country amid the military conflict between the two countries, sources said.

The meeting came hours after the Border Security Force said it had foiled an infiltration bid from across the International Border in Jammu, killing at least seven terrorists and destroying a Pakistan Rangers post.

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, the sources said. While the BSF guards the India-Pakistan border, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) protects the airports in the country, Metro networks, and other vital installations. Those who attended the meeting included Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Director of the Intelligence Bureau Tapan Deka, Directors General of the BSF, CISF, and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security.

There has been heightened tension between India and Pakistan following India’s strike on multiple locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on Wednesday and Pakistan’s attempts to hit Indian military sites on Thursday, which were thwarted by the Indian armed forces.

A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) is an official notice issued to alert pilots and airlines of potential hazards or operational restrictions in the airspace. Such notices are common during military exercises, natural disasters, or in this case, heightened security situations.

The disruptions come in the immediate aftermath of India’s high-precision military action under Operation Sindoor, which targeted nine terror hubs inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. In response, Pakistan reportedly attempted a counteroffensive aimed at multiple Indian cities on May 8.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation, acting on security directives, confirmed that commercial operations have been suspended at key airports including Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Patiala, Bathinda, Halwara, Pathankot, Shimla, Gaggal, Dharamsala, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Mundra, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Kandla, Keshod, Bhuj, Gwalior and Hindon. Many of these facilities are located near the border and also support military operations.

The NOTAM is applicable until 0529 IST on Saturday, May 10, suggesting that air travel disruptions could continue for at least the next two days. Estimates from airline operators indicate that nearly 450 domestic flights were cancelled on May 8 alone due to the precautionary shutdown.