M A I N   N E W S

Intel warns of air-borne attack on Mumbai
Shiv Kumar/TNS

Security up

n Chatrapati Shivaji Airport on high alert, operations normal n Juhu Flying Club, unused airfields under vigil

Mumbai, September 13
Security at the Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport was tightened today after Central intelligence agencies warned of an air-borne terror attack at the facility, according to police officials.

Home Minister P Chidambaram is said to have conveyed the warning to the Maharashtra Government during a quiet visit to Mumbai yesterday, sources said. During his hurried visit, Chidambaram held meetings with Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, Home Minister RR Patil and senior bureaucrats.

Security in and around Mumbai airport was tight and vehicles entering the facility were subjected to searches. Barricades were thrown up in many parts of the city and vehicles and passengers were also being searched at random.

Apart from the Mumbai airport, the Juhu Flying Club was also under tight security though it is no longer used by private helicopter operators. Home Ministry officials said security had been tightened at a number of airfields across Maharashtra and Gujarat. Especially under the scanner are unused airfields some of which date back to British times. Intelligence agencies have warned the Maharashtra Government that small aircraft, including hang-gliders, could be used to stage attacks.

Following the alert, companies that rent out choppers and small aircraft have been asked to verify the credentials of individuals hiring them. Tour operators who arrange for aerial tours of Mumbai have been asked to cancel such events as a precaution, sources said.