New Delhi is facing serious threats of aerial strikes from various terror outfits, including the dreaded ISIS, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has said.
Security agencies have taken necessary steps to foil any such attacks and have prepared a list of 15 key spots in the Capital that they fear might be targeted.
Objects like drones, unmanned air system (UAS) and paramotors could be used to carry out attacks, the ministry has said.
The seriousness of the threat could be gauged from the fact that security agencies have been authorised to shoot down ‘any unidentified, suspicious flying object’ once declared ‘not-friendly’ by the Indian Air Force (IAF). At a high-level level meeting held at the North Block, the MHA asked Delhi Police, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), union civil aviation ministry and IAF to provide suggestions on how to counter such threats. The idea also was to put in place a standard operating procedure.
The MHA has said the spots under threat include the prime minister’s house, Rashtrapati Bhavan, the residences of the home minister and the vice–president, areas around Rajpath and India Gate, besides the CGO Complex that houses the headquarters of key agencies such as the CBI, CISF and BSF.
“Delhi is the most sensitive metro in India. It has been facing threats from various outfits. But aerial attack threats are now the main focus. Security and intelligence agencies have given reports about such likely attacks in Delhi. The government is coming out with a plan to counter the threat,” according to a top government official.
In a draft given by the MHA to various agencies it has been stated security personnel, upon noticing a suspicious flying object, will inform the central control room, and without any delay the IAF would be contacted. If the IAF declares it ‘non-friendly’, it has to be shot down without damaging human life.
“The MHA has been holding meetings on the threat and agencies, including Delhi Police, CISF, IAF and the Civil Aviation ministry will be called for suggestions to chalk out a strategy soon. Everything will be finalised within a week as Delhi is the most sensitive place in India facing aerial strike threats,” a top government official added.
The Delhi Police and the CISF have been asked to increase patrolling at the airport and vital government establishments.
