In a significant decision to boost security across Indian airports, the Director General of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has issued an official memorandum on Friday, temporarily extending the role of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) as the Aviation Security Group (ASG) to provide additional security cover to Cargo operations and the In-line Hold Baggage Screening System (ILHBSS).

The arrangement came into effect on Friday and will remain in place till May 18. The decision was taken amid the escalating India-Pakistan tensions following India’s retaliatory response after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The enhancement of CISF's mandate is essential to reinforce security arrangements at all civil airports, a press release by the CISF stated.