India has tightened security across its major airports after a series of “hijack alerts” passed on to them by intelligence agencies following the Mumbai attacks, officials said on Friday. Indian security officials said the latest general advisory to remain alert against possible hijacking attempts was issued by the government on Thursday. “There was no specific alert, but a general advisory was issued to airport authorities, asking them to remain vigilant against possible hijacking,” Mumbai Police Commissioner Hasan Gafoor told Reuters by telephone. Indian intelligence officials have warned the government that militants could hijack a plane to either seek release of those lodged in Indian jails or use it smash into government buildings. A hijack alert was issued to authorities in the eastern Indian city of Kolkata, officials said.
