In a strong response to the recent surge of bomb threats targeting Indian airlines, the Union Ministry of Electronics and IT has criticized social media platform ‘X’ (formerly known as Twitter) for allowing the circulation of these hoaxes. Over the past week, more than 100 bomb threats have been made against flights, sparking concern across the aviation industry.
Social Media Accused of ‘Abetting Crime’
In a high-level virtual meeting chaired by Joint Secretary Sanket S Bhondve, government officials confronted representatives from X and Meta, accusing X of “abetting crime” by not taking swift enough action to curb the spread of these false threats. Bhondve called for immediate and more stringent measures to prevent the dissemination of such alarming rumors, which are contributing to widespread fear and disruption.
Over 120 Flights Affected in Recent Days
More than 120 flights operated by Indian carriers, including IndiGo, Vistara, and Air India, have received bomb threats over the past few days. Even as recently as yesterday, 30 flights were affected. Despite these threats being identified as hoaxes, the airlines were forced to follow standard security protocols, including alerting authorities and conducting thorough inspections, which have caused significant delays and anxiety among passengers.
Government to Amend Aviation Security Laws
In an effort to better tackle such security threats, Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu announced that the government is working on amending the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against Safety of Civil Aviation Act. The proposed changes will allow authorities to take legal action even when a flight is still on the ground, expanding the scope of current laws that mainly address in-flight offenses. “We are pushing forward to ensure that these amendments are made as soon as possible so that we can address these offenses comprehensively,” Minister Naidu stated.
Tough Action Against Hoax Threat Perpetrators
Minister Naidu also issued a stern warning to those responsible for circulating these hoaxes. He emphasized that spreading false bomb threats is a serious offense and that those involved would face severe consequences, including the possibility of being placed on a no-fly list. He reassured the public that the government is taking these threats very seriously and is working closely with law enforcement agencies to identify and punish the culprits.
Enhanced Security Measures at Airports
In response to the threats, security measures at airports across the country have been significantly intensified. Additional checkpoints have been set up, and the number of CCTV cameras has been increased to ensure more comprehensive monitoring. Minister Naidu stressed that although these threats have been determined to be hoaxes, they cannot be dismissed lightly. “We are not taking any chances when it comes to passenger safety. We are continuously adapting to the situation and learning from each incident,” he said.
Collaborative Efforts with Law Enforcement and Social Media Platforms
The government is in continuous talks with law enforcement agencies and representatives from social media platforms to ensure that steps are being taken to prevent the spread of such malicious threats. Although investigations into the motives and potential patterns behind the threats are still underway, authorities are exploring all possible angles, including the possibility of a coordinated effort or conspiracy.
While the situation remains fluid, Minister Naidu reassured the public that the government is committed to handling the matter with the utmost care. “We will continue to address these threats efficiently without compromising the safety and security of passengers,” he concluded.
