NEW DELHI: The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has officially assumed responsibility for the security of Lengpui Airport in Mizoram. A ceremonial event held today marked the induction of CISF personnel at the airport, the first deployment of its kind in the state.
The event saw the presence of top officials, including Mizoram DGP Anil Shukla, IPS; IG CISF/APS-I HQ New Delhi Vijay Prakash, IPS; DIG AP (E&NE) HQ Kolkata Deepak Verma; Director of Aviation Lalrohlua; Airport Director P.U Saidenga; and Dy. Commandant Harish Singh Nayal, who is leading the newly deployed CISF unit at Lengpui. Representatives from GAD Airport Wing, CRPF, AAI, Indigo, Alliance Air, oil companies, and other aviation stakeholders were also in attendance.
Lengpui Airport becomes the 69th airport in India to come under CISF protection, making this deployment a historic milestone as the first-ever CISF unit in Mizoram. With over 25 years of aviation security experience, the Forceโs arrival is expected to significantly enhance safety measures at this strategically located airport.
Initially, a contingent of 121 CISF personnel led by a Deputy Commandant has been deployed, with plans to scale up to a full strength of 214 personnel. This will replace the joint security previously managed by Mizoram Police and CRPF since 1999.
This move is aligned with the Government of Indiaโs broader policy to strengthen civil aviation security nationwide. As the primary air gateway to Mizoram, Lengpui Airport has seen a consistent rise in passenger traffic, underlining the need for a specialized force to manage security in the region.
Apart from their core duties, CISF personnel will work collaboratively with local authorities to design and implement robust, passenger-friendly security protocols. These efforts aim to counter evolving threats, including terrorism and smuggling, while ensuring a seamless experience for travelers.
Located 32 km from Aizawl in Mamit district, Lengpui Airport was operationalized in 1998 and is Indiaโs first large airport built by a state government. With its unique tabletop runway and proximity to international borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh, the airport plays a crucial role in connecting Mizoram with the rest of India. It currently handles flights to major cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Silchar, and Imphal, serviced by IndiGo and Alliance Air.
The CISFโs deployment is expected to boost passenger confidence, promote regional tourism, and support the governmentโs vision of integrating the Northeast into the national development framework.
With this addition, the CISF now secures airports in all Indian states and union territories, except Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Puducherry, and Lakshadweep.
