CISF gets arms storage facility at airport
NEWDELHI: The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has got an arms storage facility near the Delhi airport to enable them to respond quickly in terror attacks.
Earlier, after completing their duty, security personnel had to travel all the way to Bijwasan, 30 minutes from the airport, to keep the arms at a facility there.
The process meant a waste of time for the staff, who after performing an eight-hour shift, had to travel for an hour just to deposit the arms.
“Our staff was complaining of working extra just to deposit and take the weapon. We will save our staff’s time with this. Also, in case of an attack, getting a weapon would be easy,” said a CISF officer, requesting anonymity.
CISF commandos are equipped to handle latest weapons such as self-loading rifles, MP5 and Glock pistols.
Due to security reasons, the CISF did not disclose the exact location of the storage facility.“we have been pursuing this with the airport operator for long and finally we have got space,” the officer added.
The CISF has been taking steps to improve security at the airport. The force has prepared a counterterror contingency plan and wants to implement it at every airport.
To minimise damage during such attack, the force has requested for bulletproof vehicles to chase and neutralise terrorists. More than 4,500 CISF personnel are deployed at the Delhi airport. The force recently procured an armoured vehicle that can withstand 10 kgs of explosive and bullets on a trial basis, but it wants a smaller vehicle for its quick response team fleet.
“A bulletproof vehicle will help us neutralise the suspect without exposing our personnel to the possible threat. Right now we have Gypsy, which is open. Commandos cannot hide behind anything and fire,” CISF’S additional director general for airport MA Ganapathy said.