We are keeping a hawk-eyed vigil: OP Singh

In the current scenario when terror threats have become much routine and prominent, making it very unpredictable for the security agencies, important installations guarded by the Central Industrial Security Force like airports, metro stations, ports, nuclear plants and monuments have become vulnerable too. In a special interview to DNA, Director General, CISF, OP Singh talks about security and combating terrorism upfront

Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju recently said in Lok Sabha that center is undertaking a massive security audit of airports. What's the status and what changes are expected to follow?

Yes, the security audit is underway. It was started a few months back and is expected to get over in about three months from now. This would include entire scanning of the present security scenario and some major security plans may fall in leading to major changes, which, for security reasons, cannot be disclosed now. It is an effort which would strengthen us further as a security unit.

The Brussels airport terror attack, last year, became a major concern for the Indian agencies as similar security plan - security hold area plan, is followed in India, except Srinagar airport. How do we see ourselves prepared?

Counter Terrorism Contingency Plan – CTCP, is our security plan in Mumbai and Delhi. SHA plan allows access to anyone inside the terminal without thorough frisking. CTCP ensures friskings about half-a-kilometer before the terminal building, first at 'naka', manned by local police and CISF, then forecourt and parking lots are under surveillance and finally a stringent frisking follows at the terminal. Further we have QRTs, dogs and marshals and newly installed CCTV cameras which keep a hawk-eye-vigil.

PIDS – Parameter Intrusion Detection System, has been a controversial installation. At the same time, cases of intrusion at Delhi airport seem to have no end, be it the air side or Palam technical area. Does it concern the force?

Two months ago, MoCA constituted a committee, headed by a senior BCAS officer, to study PIDS and its flaws. The system generates several false alarms daily which is a menace. In most intrusions, the intruder was not found to be harmful and were either of unsound mind or unaware of the topography of the area. Our strength is that such cases do not go undetected. There has not been any negligence on our part.

With the CISF considered as one of the most efficient security agencies, recently many requests have been received by the Ministry of Home for the force's deployment at other important installations. How is the force coping up with the requirement?

This is true. At present, our induction is pending at 13 units across country, while 21 surveys and 28 re-surveys are pending at airports where we have been asked to strengthen our security. Apart from this 23 augmentation proposals are under consideration. At present we have over 20,000 recruits under training who will soon be joining us. Our sanctioned strength has also been increased from 1,45,000 to 1,80,000, recently by the MHA.

You, as a DG, have been known for being available for the force round the clock. Be it a leave application or medical, or a personal grievance, from constables to commandants, personnel have been reaching you over phone, texts. How does such an accessibility reflect? Has it been helpful?

As DG, I have to be available for my men, regardless of their ranks. Being available means no time bar, or no selective technology. I have been approving leave applications on phone in time of emergency. There is a protocol that has to be followed. We have launched an app for grievance redressal where grievance directly reach me. Mondays I hold a meeting with those who want to meet me in person. I believe, as the head of the force, my men shall trust and confide in me.