CISF marshals' at airports for quick anti-terror fight

New Delhi: In a bid to check terror attacks at airports across the country, the CISF has introduced tactical training modules for its personnel meant for quick response teams (QRTs) and started deploying “duty terminal marshals” to counter Brussels and Istanbul type of attacks at the airports.

While addressing the security measures and threat level after the deadly Pulwama attack, CISF DG Rajesh Ranjan said that he cannot respond to the level of threat after a particular incident.

The recent terror attack in Pulwama and incidents at Istanbul, Brussels and Karachi airport may be an eyeopener for the security agencies of all the international airports. The security agencies are being asked to keep a tight vigil, especially on roads and flyovers near the airport, said the sources.

“There are over 50 quick reaction teams of duty terminal marshals who have been deployed at Delhi airport and cargo terminals.  Each team has two terminal duty marshals. They are highly trained professionals who can deal with any terror attack at airport terminals,” said a senior CISF official.

“Tactical training modules for personnel deployed for quick reaction teams and terminal marshal duties started to counter possible terror attacks at the airports. The special tactical training module of two weeks is designed to enhance terror response skills. So far, 320 quick reaction teams personnel of various Aviation Security Groups have attended this course at National Industrial Security Academy Hyderabad on toll-operate-transfer (TOT) basis. This ToT-trained personnel are further imparting training to the ASG personnel,” said DG Ranjan.