New Delhi, Oct 22: On Monday night, 30 domestic and international flights operated by Indian airlines received bomb threats, according to sources. Airlines affected include IndiGo, Vistara, and Air India.

An IndiGo spokesperson confirmed that four of its flights received security-related alerts: 6E 164 (Mangaluru to Mumbai), 6E 75 (Ahmedabad to Jeddah), 6E 67 (Hyderabad to Jeddah), and 6E 118 (Lucknow to Pune). Fortunately, passengers from these flights were disembarked safely. The spokesperson stated, “We worked closely with the relevant authorities, and standard operating procedures were followed.”

An Air India spokesperson also acknowledged that some of its flights that operated on Monday faced security threats, which were reported on social media. “Following the laid-down protocols, relevant authorities were immediately alerted, and all security procedures were strictly adhered to, as per guidance from the regulatory authorities and security agencies,” the spokesperson said.

A Vistara spokesperson noted that a few of its flights received security threats on social media as well. “We immediately alerted the relevant authorities and are following all security procedures as directed by them,” the spokesperson stated.

In the past week alone, over 120 flights operated by Indian carriers have faced bomb threats. Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu emphasized that while these threats are often hoaxes, they must be taken seriously.

In response to the increasing threats, the government is planning legislative measures to address bomb threats to airlines, including placing offenders on a no-fly list. Proposed amendments to The Suppression of Unlawful Acts against Safety of Civil Aviation Act (SUASCA), 1982, would allow for the arrest and investigation of perpetrators without a court order while an aircraft is on the ground. Additionally, changes to aircraft security rules are being considered to impose stricter penalties on those making bomb threats.

New Delhi, Oct 21 – Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized the government’s ongoing commitment to combat terrorism, infiltration, and efforts to incite religious tension, despite the relative peace established in Jammu and Kashmir, the Northeast, and Naxal-affected regions. Speaking at a function on Police Commemoration Day, Shah expressed that the sacrifices made by police martyrs will not be forgotten and reaffirmed the nation’s goal to become fully developed by 2047.

“In the past decade, we have achieved relative peace in Jammu and Kashmir, the Northeastern region, and areas affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE). However, our fight continues against challenges such as narcotics, cybercrime, infiltration, and terrorism,” Shah stated.

The Home Minister highlighted that since independence, 36,438 police personnel have lost their lives in service to the nation, including 216 in the past year. He assured the families of these martyrs that their sacrifices would not be in vain and that India would remain safe and resilient in achieving its developmental goals.

Shah also discussed the recent implementation of three new criminal laws, which took effect on July 1. He noted that infrastructure work for these laws commenced five years ago and is expected to be completed within the next three years. “India’s criminal justice system will become one of the most modern in the world, ensuring that full justice can be delivered within three years of an FIR registration,” he asserted.

In addressing the welfare of police personnel, Shah announced that under the ‘Ayushman CAPF’ scheme, police and their families can now receive treatment at any Ayushman hospital. He also mentioned the approval for the construction of 13,000 houses to improve living conditions for Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel, with 11,276 homes expected to be ready by March next year.

The Police Commemoration Day event took place at the National Police Memorial, where Shah paid floral tributes to the police personnel who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. He reflected on the tragic event of October 21, 1959, when ten policemen were ambushed and killed by heavily armed Chinese troops at Hot Springs in Ladakh, a moment that led to the annual observance of this day to honor the martyrs and all police personnel who have fallen while serving the nation.