Terror threat: Leh airport security up

Jammu, November 21

The security at the strategic Leh airport in the Ladakh region has been heightened after intelligence inputs about possible terror strikes.

Although the police have sought to downplay the “panic” over the inputs, sources said the security agencies guarding the airport have been put on maximum alert following the reports that militants might target the airport.

“Every airport in the country is vulnerable to security threats. It would be wrong to comments on the reports which have not been confirmed by the security agencies. Still, we are maintaining a tight vigil as we cannot afford any sort of complacency,” said a senior Leh-based police officer.

The Leh airport is one of the world’s highest airports at 10,683 feet above sea level. It is being used both by Army and civilians and witnesses heavy rush. The airport assumes significance as Ladakh shares boundaries with China and Pakistan while itremains cut off from the rest of the state for almost six winter months.

As per Airports Authority of India estimates, the domestic tourist footfall at Leh airport is likely to touch 7.5 lakh a year by 2022-23.

Abdul Khaliq, DSP, Anti-Hijack, Leh airport, downplayed any “terror threat”, saying: “It was an old input, there is nothing new it. We had received an input in summer but since then, there has been no fresh input. At the time of input, we had upgraded the security apparatus and it is currently well placed as well”. — TNS