High alert in Gujarat ahead of Eid, I-Day

Defence and high security establishments in Gujarat went into a heightened state of alert as hostilities increased on the Indo-Pakistan border following the abrogation of Article 370 and a bill to split Jammu and Kashmir into two Union territories. Security was beefed up at all airports, including the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport at Ahmedabad.

In order to review the operational preparedness of the frontline airbases of the Indian Air Force (IAF), Air Marshal HS Arora AVSM ADC, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, South Western Air Command (SWAC), visited those located in Gujarat and Rajasthan on Friday.

The SWAC chief also reviewed the security arrangements of the airbases near the international border with Pakistan. “The visit gains significance in view of ongoing security scenario,” stated an official statement from the Ministry of Defence.

Air Marshal Arora emphasised on greater cooperation with other military, paramilitary and police forces for enhancing the level of deterrence. During the visit, he flew various combat aircraft deployed at these bases in envisaged operational profiles to check out the environment and proficiency of the crew.

Airport director Manoj Gangal told The Indian Express, “Visitors' entry has been prohibited inside the airport. The Police and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) will be present at the airport in uniform as well as in plain…