NEW DELHI: In the wake of reports that Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba is procuring paragliders, government is all set to enforce strict security conditions for operating UAV, paragliding or hot air balloons in a bid to thwart attempts by terrorists to launch attacks by using them.
There have been security concerns in the operation of microlight aircraft, powered hang-gliders, hot air balloons, paragliders and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. Following discussion among various stakeholders, it was decided that authorised users shall not carry any weapon or photography/video recording equipment while operating the microlight aircraft, hang gliders, hot air balloons etc,.
It was decided that such flying objects must not intrude into the air space beyond the authorised licenced area of operation as it is not possible to monitor such craft moving beyond the reach of naked eyes in absence of radars or direction-finders.
"We are going to strictly implement all such rules so that no untoward incident takes place anywhere in the country," a senior Home Ministry official said. The move came after intelligence agencies alerted the government that LeT has been successful in procuring advance paragliding equipments which cannot be picked up by radar signals.
The banned group is also in the process of procuring paragliding engine and clothes and has conducted a research on potential of using paragliders to carry out terror strike, the official said.
All state governments have been sensitised about the threat posed by unregulated adventure flying and the need for proper monitoring of them.