Beware of drone terror attacks, air force tells people in Pathankot

Apprehending terror attacks from the air through use of remote-controlled paramotors, drones and gliders, Indian Air Force authorities here have started an awareness drive close to the Pathankot airbase by distributing photos.

Apprehending terror attacks through use of remote-controlled flying paramotors, drones and gliders, Indian Air Force authorities here have started an awareness drive close to the Pathankot airbase by distributing symbolic photos.

This comes days after the IAF pasted posters on the boundary wall of the airbase bearing a shoot-on-sight warning for anyone trying to enter without authorisation.

A symbolic photo of a paramotor or remote-controlled glider being shown and distributed to residents of localities around the airbase in Pathankot. (HT Photo)

An airman, who identified himself as Girish, was among those showing and distributing the photos, and told a TV channel that the drive was indeed underway. “We have given the locals some telephone numbers to contact us if in case such objects are seen flying in the area,” he said. “As militants are adopting novel ways, we also want to remain alert.”

Sunil Kumar, a resident of a locality next to the airbase, said prominent people were contacted by air force officials and “we have been told to remain vigilant”.

The IAF is already on high alert after militants stormed the airbase on January 2 and killed seven security men before they were gunned down.

While IAF officials did not talk to the media, senior superintendent of police (SSP) Rakesh Kaushal said air force was evidently educating the locals on terror threats. “We are looking into our areas while all the security agencies are on their job too, with their style of functioning,” he said.