BREAKING NEWS
Civil aviation's first major challenge came with the rise of hijackings, a sinister terror tactic. The first known hijacking took place in 1968. India, like many nations, became a target, with several hijack-ing incidents taking place over the years
In recent months, India has witnessed a dramatic spike in hoax bomb threat calls targeting both do-mestic and international airlines. On October 25, 2024, alone, 27 flights were ensnared in the chaos caused by hoax calls, with as many as 250 such calls flooding authorities within just 10 days. One morning, a 35-year-old construction worker from Gondia, Jagdish Uikey, began sending malicious emails to airlines, security agencies, and even to the offices of the Chief Ministers and the Prime Minister. Written in Marathi, the messages warned of bombs planted on aircraft and threatened hi-jackings by terrorists. Uikey's threats didn’t stop there—between January and October 2024, he made 35 threatening calls. During a six-month period from May to November 2024, India received over 900 hoax calls, 600 of which were posted on social media platform X. These calls disrupted over 1,000 flights, both domestic and international, wreaking havoc on civil aviation operations. Some flights had even been escorted by fighter jets to their destinations.
The toll was immense, both in terms of public inconvenience and the severe financial losses suffered by airlines. This was the first time such a large-scale hoax call strategy was used as a weapon, leav-ing security agencies on high alert for more than a month. The Indian civil aviation industry was not equipped to handle this new form of attack, which is why the crisis persisted for so long. Moreover, the lack of an effective mechanism to swiftly detect, apprehend, and penalize these mischief-makers suggests that this may not be the last phase of such hoax threats. With tensions rising between India and many nations, including those beyond our traditional borders, the global network of terrorism continues to grow. Even countries like Canada, where Prime Minister Justin Trudeau supports anti-India activities, complicate the national security landscape.
An Era of Hijacking
Civil aviation's first major challenge came with the rise of hijackings, a sinister terror tactic. The first known hijacking took place in 1968. India, like many nations, became a target, with several hijack-ing incidents taking place over the years. The infamous hijacking of IC-814 to Kandahar in 1999 remains one of the darkest chapters, as the Indian government gave in to the hijackers' demands, releasing notorious terrorists, including Masood Azhar, in exchange for the safe release of passen-gers. By the end of the 20th century, incidents of hijackings had declined worldwide, thanks to tightened airport security protocols.
Shift in Terror Tactics: Hoax Threats
As airport security became more robust, terrorists were left with no other option but to adapt. The hijacking strategy, once so effective, was no longer viable. Instead, terrorists began flooding target-ed countries with hoax bomb threats, claiming bombs were planted on flights. This new approach not only disrupted the travel plans of thousands of people but also targeted the heart of national se-curity—airports. The goals behind these hoaxes are multi-faceted:
To create chaos and panic within the country.
To garner worldwide publicity in a matter of hours.
To undermine public trust in the government’s ability to protect its citizens.
To sow fear in international travelers and erode confidence in India’s ability to handle terrorism.
To cripple the economy, particularly the aviation and tourism industries.
To build up pressure on overstretched security forces.
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has set strict zero-error standards, and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has ensured these are religiously maintained on the ground for over two decades. Despite their diligence, the new threat of hoax calls has made their task even more challenging. However, the CISF’s perseverance has ensured that Indian aviation remains as secure as possible, although it will always be a target for terrorists.
Countering the New Threat
Hoax bomb threats have introduced a new layer of complexity to airport security. Smaller airports are as vulnerable as larger ones, and the aim of these terror tactics is to wear down security forces through a flood of false threats. Over time, as hoax calls become routine, security personnel—who are human, not robots—may become complacent. Terrorists, ever vigilant, could exploit this lapse to carry out a real attack. It is critical to remember that even a minor security lapse can have cata-strophic consequences.
Despite a few arrests, the issue of hoax calls has not been addressed effectively or comprehensively. Given the complex and expansive nature of airport security, it must be overhauled to match the standards of more advanced nations. Immediate action is needed to address this growing threat. Here are some key measures that should be taken:
Formation of a High-Level Committee
BCAS should constitute a committee of experts from various fields of airport security. This com-mittee would study the existing security framework, identify gaps, and make comprehensive rec-ommendations to counter hoax threats. The committee should also suggest ways to improve prepar-edness for future threats, both on preventive measures designed exclusively to deter such and simi-lar attacks and also on combative measures. The Committee should, inter alia, also examine ancillary matters like- necessity of amendment in existing laws or for enactment of altogether a new law; fea-sibility of setting up a dedicated team of identifiers of hoax callers at airports; prepare a broad framework of a ‘standing operating procedure’(SOP) to be followed by all stake holders during per-sistence of such threats; and review the role of sky-marshals in the context of changing security sce-nario, etc.
Technology Upgrades
The use of advanced technologies like computed tomography (CT) X-ray and X-ray diffraction (XRD) systems should be prioritized. These systems offer enhanced detection capabilities, allowing security officers to better identify potential threats without opening bags or packages. Other tech-nologies, such as imaging systems to detect explosives in shoes, should also be explored.
Intelligence Collaboration
The Central Intelligence Agency, local police, and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) should collaborate when interrogating hoax callers suspected of links to terror groups. Sharing intelligence with BCAS and CISF can help mitigate threats before they escalate.
Training and Vigilance
Security personnel must undergo rigorous training, both physically and mentally, before being as-signed to airports. Regular refresher courses are crucial to keep staff alert. The government should also ensure that airport security personnel are not diverted for duties such as election duty, as this could compromise safety. Practical drills and case study screenings should be incorporated into training schedules.
Regular Security Audits
Airports should carry out regular cross-audits, where security teams from one airport audit another. This approach will provide fresh insights into vulnerabilities and best practices, enabling timely cor-rective actions.
Swift Government Action
The government must act decisively in the aftermath of any such incident. For example, after the hoax calls on October 25, 2024, the Indian government promptly directed social media platforms like X and Meta to curb the spread of misinformation, warning of severe consequences if they failed to comply.
In conclusion, while the hoax threat to civil aviation is a new and pressing challenge, it can be miti-gated through swift action, innovative technology, and enhanced coordination between various se-curity agencies. Only by staying ahead of this evolving threat can India ensure the safety of its skies and the confidence of its people in the nation's ability to handle terrorism.
Civil aviation's first major challenge came with the rise of hijackings, a sinister terror tactic. The first known hijacking took place in 1968. India, like many nations, became a target, with several hijack-ing incidents taking place over the years
In recent months, India has witnessed a dramatic spike in hoax bomb threat calls targeting both do-mestic and international airlines. On October 25, 2024, alone, 27 flights were ensnared in the chaos caused by hoax calls, with as many as 250 such calls flooding authorities within just 10 days. One morning, a 35-year-old construction worker from Gondia, Jagdish Uikey, began sending malicious emails to airlines, security agencies, and even to the offices of the Chief Ministers and the Prime Minister. Written in Marathi, the messages warned of bombs planted on aircraft and threatened hi-jackings by terrorists. Uikey's threats didn’t stop there—between January and October 2024, he made 35 threatening calls. During a six-month period from May to November 2024, India received over 900 hoax calls, 600 of which were posted on social media platform X. These calls disrupted over 1,000 flights, both domestic and international, wreaking havoc on civil aviation operations. Some flights had even been escorted by fighter jets to their destinations.
The toll was immense, both in terms of public inconvenience and the severe financial losses suffered by airlines. This was the first time such a large-scale hoax call strategy was used as a weapon, leav-ing security agencies on high alert for more than a month. The Indian civil aviation industry was not equipped to handle this new form of attack, which is why the crisis persisted for so long. Moreover, the lack of an effective mechanism to swiftly detect, apprehend, and penalize these mischief-makers suggests that this may not be the last phase of such hoax threats. With tensions rising between India and many nations, including those beyond our traditional borders, the global network of terrorism continues to grow. Even countries like Canada, where Prime Minister Justin Trudeau supports anti-India activities, complicate the national security landscape.
An Era of Hijacking
Civil aviation's first major challenge came with the rise of hijackings, a sinister terror tactic. The first known hijacking took place in 1968. India, like many nations, became a target, with several hijack-ing incidents taking place over the years. The infamous hijacking of IC-814 to Kandahar in 1999 remains one of the darkest chapters, as the Indian government gave in to the hijackers' demands, releasing notorious terrorists, including Masood Azhar, in exchange for the safe release of passen-gers. By the end of the 20th century, incidents of hijackings had declined worldwide, thanks to tightened airport security protocols.
Shift in Terror Tactics: Hoax Threats
As airport security became more robust, terrorists were left with no other option but to adapt. The hijacking strategy, once so effective, was no longer viable. Instead, terrorists began flooding target-ed countries with hoax bomb threats, claiming bombs were planted on flights. This new approach not only disrupted the travel plans of thousands of people but also targeted the heart of national se-curity—airports. The goals behind these hoaxes are multi-faceted:
To create chaos and panic within the country.
To garner worldwide publicity in a matter of hours.
To undermine public trust in the government’s ability to protect its citizens.
To sow fear in international travelers and erode confidence in India’s ability to handle terrorism.
To cripple the economy, particularly the aviation and tourism industries.
To build up pressure on overstretched security forces.
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has set strict zero-error standards, and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has ensured these are religiously maintained on the ground for over two decades. Despite their diligence, the new threat of hoax calls has made their task even more challenging. However, the CISF’s perseverance has ensured that Indian aviation remains as secure as possible, although it will always be a target for terrorists.
Countering the New Threat
Hoax bomb threats have introduced a new layer of complexity to airport security. Smaller airports are as vulnerable as larger ones, and the aim of these terror tactics is to wear down security forces through a flood of false threats. Over time, as hoax calls become routine, security personnel—who are human, not robots—may become complacent. Terrorists, ever vigilant, could exploit this lapse to carry out a real attack. It is critical to remember that even a minor security lapse can have cata-strophic consequences.
Despite a few arrests, the issue of hoax calls has not been addressed effectively or comprehensively. Given the complex and expansive nature of airport security, it must be overhauled to match the standards of more advanced nations. Immediate action is needed to address this growing threat. Here are some key measures that should be taken:
Formation of a High-Level Committee
BCAS should constitute a committee of experts from various fields of airport security. This com-mittee would study the existing security framework, identify gaps, and make comprehensive rec-ommendations to counter hoax threats. The committee should also suggest ways to improve prepar-edness for future threats, both on preventive measures designed exclusively to deter such and simi-lar attacks and also on combative measures. The Committee should, inter alia, also examine ancillary matters like- necessity of amendment in existing laws or for enactment of altogether a new law; fea-sibility of setting up a dedicated team of identifiers of hoax callers at airports; prepare a broad framework of a ‘standing operating procedure’(SOP) to be followed by all stake holders during per-sistence of such threats; and review the role of sky-marshals in the context of changing security sce-nario, etc.
Technology Upgrades
The use of advanced technologies like computed tomography (CT) X-ray and X-ray diffraction (XRD) systems should be prioritized. These systems offer enhanced detection capabilities, allowing security officers to better identify potential threats without opening bags or packages. Other tech-nologies, such as imaging systems to detect explosives in shoes, should also be explored.
Intelligence Collaboration
The Central Intelligence Agency, local police, and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) should collaborate when interrogating hoax callers suspected of links to terror groups. Sharing intelligence with BCAS and CISF can help mitigate threats before they escalate.
Training and Vigilance
Security personnel must undergo rigorous training, both physically and mentally, before being as-signed to airports. Regular refresher courses are crucial to keep staff alert. The government should also ensure that airport security personnel are not diverted for duties such as election duty, as this could compromise safety. Practical drills and case study screenings should be incorporated into training schedules.
Regular Security Audits
Airports should carry out regular cross-audits, where security teams from one airport audit another. This approach will provide fresh insights into vulnerabilities and best practices, enabling timely cor-rective actions.
Swift Government Action
The government must act decisively in the aftermath of any such incident. For example, after the hoax calls on October 25, 2024, the Indian government promptly directed social media platforms like X and Meta to curb the spread of misinformation, warning of severe consequences if they failed to comply.
In conclusion, while the hoax threat to civil aviation is a new and pressing challenge, it can be miti-gated through swift action, innovative technology, and enhanced coordination between various se-curity agencies. Only by staying ahead of this evolving threat can India ensure the safety of its skies and the confidence of its people in the nation's ability to handle terrorism.
© Copyright 2023 brighterkashmir.com All Rights Reserved. Quantum Technologies