KOLKATA, Oct 8 (UNI): Six Japanese C-130 Hercules Self-Defence Airforce aircraft carrying relief materials for Afghan war refugees made a transit halt at the Netaji Subash Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) airport here for refuelling.
The aircraft with relief goods of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) landed between 0945 and 1120 hrs at intervals of 20 to 25 minutes and left after refuelling, according to Airport Authority of India.
The aircraft, which would make another stopover at New Delhi before reaching their destination Islamabad, had taken off from Tokyo.
According to the NSCBI director, during the refuelling 18-odd crew members were taken to the transit lounge for rest on request.
The walkie-talkie wielding crew in ash-coloured shirts and blue trousers and the burly aircraft camouflaged in different colours attracted a large number of curious onlookers besides mediapersons.
After refuelling the first aircraft left for New Delhi at 1212 hours followed by others with the last one leaving around 1500 hours.
The Centre has waived the landing, parking and route navigation charges of the aircraft on humanitarian grounds, sources said.
The aircraft were inspected by customs officials, according to Mr GM Dutta, assistant commissioner, Customs, NSCBI airport.
The aircraft were led by Group Commander E Yamaji, Col.
Japanese Self-Defence Airforce (JASDF).
Armed forces on high alert NEW DELHI, Oct 8 (NNN) : Armed forces have gone on high alert and security has been stepped up at sensitive installations in the Capital and other parts of the country in the wake of the American and British strikes on Afghanistan.
Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee chaired over a high-level meeting of key cabinet ministers and top security officials to discuss the situation in the wake of Afghan strikes, which New Delhi has backed.
An external affairs ministry spokesperson said, "The military strikes were expected and New Delhi had very unequivocally supported the war against the perpetrators of terrorism and the need to bring them to justice." Meanwhile, security had been tightened at government installations, historical sites and diplomatic missions, especially the US embassy.
Amid intelligence reports of possible terrorist attacks, Delhi Police has tightened security across the city, particularly at sensitive government buildings and the Walled City.
Security has also been stepped up at railway stations and major bus stations, besides markets and other busy places.
Reports of similar tightening of security have come in from Maharashtra, particularly the Muslim-dominated areas of Bhendi Bazar and Mohammed Ali Road.
The Indian naval establishment in Mumbai has also been placed on high alert.
