CISF to oversee cargo operations at all airports amidst heightened tensions

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has expanded the Central Industrial Security Force’s (CISF) mandate to include direct oversight of cargo and baggage screening operations at all Indian civil airports in the wake of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.

Effective May 9 through May 18, 2025, CISF personnel will now supervise security processes within the Cargo terminals and the In-line Hold Baggage Screening System (ILHBSS).

“This temporary extension follows a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, prompting heightened alertness across the aviation sector," a senior CISF officer said.

Previously, CISF’s role as the Aviation Security Group (ASG) did not encompass direct involvement in these specific areas.

With this new directive, issued through an official memorandum by the Director-General of the BCAS, the CISF has resumed oversight duties at all CISF-covered airports. The force is authorised to conduct random inspections and manage access control at key points.

“The CISF’s immediate operational readiness is a testament to its critical role in safeguarding the nation’s aviation infrastructure,” said Ajay Dahiya, Deputy Inspector General of the CISF.

The initiative introduces a vital secondary layer of checks, aimed at fortifying India’s aviation security in the face of emerging threats.

Tensions between India and Pakistan have intensified following the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, mostly tourists. India has attributed the attack to Pakistan-backed terror groups.

In response to the incident, India launched “Operation Sindoor" on May 7, targeting terrorist infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The operation involved precision strikes on nine sites associated with groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.

India