Delhi faces threat of aerial strikes: MHA

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 para motors 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 India Air Force (IAF).

At a high-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, according to documents accessed by Mail Today. The idea also was to put in place a standard operating procedure.

Also Read: Stray drone at Delhi airport, security clueless about where it came from

Facing threat

The MHA has said the spots under threat include the Prime Minister's house, Rashtrapati Bhavan, the residences of home minister and 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 attacks in Delhi. The government is coming out with a plan to counter the threat," a top government official told Mail Today.

According to sources, in a draft given by the MHA to various agencies it has been stated that 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.

Recently, in an interview with India Today, Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju also said that the ISIS may strike anywhere, but India is prepared. "It is a reality (some Muslims from South India are lured by ISIS). It is a fact. But we should not undermine our vigil in other parts of the country. Anything that threatens the security of the country is taken seriously and the home ministry's mandate is to provide security to the people and the country," Kiren Rijiju said.

Also Read: ISIS may strike anywhere but India is prepared: Kiren Rijiju

New strategy

"The MHA has been holding meetings to discuss about 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.
"We have deployed teams around the Delhi airport and are working closely with the CISF and IAF. Agencies are also preparing drills," a Delhi Police officer said.

On October 27 this year, the air traffic control in Delhi noticed a suspected object flying at the Delhi airport. This was communicated to the Delhi Police and the IAF, but before any agency could react the object vanished. Later, a high-level meeting was called, but even after a month, agencies are clueless. The Delhi Police have registered a case under the aircraft Act at the airport police station.