New Delhi, June 7: The CISF on Thursday took over the security of Shirdi International Airport, with a sanctioned strength of more than 180 personnel, an official said.

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel, deputed to guard Shirdi airport, will be led by a Deputy Commandant rank officer. The administrative control of this airport will be under the CISF's Deputy Inspector General, West Zone Airports, Mumbai.

With its induction at Shirdi airport, the CISF now guards 60 out of 98 airports across the country, with a total of 343 units of the paramilitary force deployed for the purpose. 

"In the light of the increased threat perception to the aviation sector across the country, security of Shirdi International Airport is of utmost importance as thousands of pilgrims, foreigners and VVIPs frequently visit Shirdi Sai Baba Temple through this airport," said CISF Assistant Inspector General Hemendra Singh. 

The 180 personnel of the CISF will be on various duties such as frisking, anti-hijacking and patrolling.

Located at Kakadi village, Shirdi International Airport is around 12 km away from prominent pilgrimage sport of the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple. 

This airport, spread over 1,300 acres and with one terminal building and a 2,500 metre long runaway, is owned by Maharashtra Airport Development Company and was inaugurated on October 1, 2017. 

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Bhatkal: Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly U. T. Khader visited Bhatkal in Uttara Kannada district on Saturday and attended a local cricket match being played as part of a tournament organised by the Cosmos Sports Centre of Bhatkal.

After attending a programme at Anjuman Hami-E-Muslimeen, Khader proceeded to the Bhatkal Taluka Stadium, where the tournament is underway. He was accompanied by office-bearers of the Cosmos Sports Centre and several local community leaders.

Those present during the visit included President of Majlis-e-Islah Wa Tanzeem and former JD(S) leader Inayathullah Shabandri, Vice President of Tanzeem Atiqur Rahman Muniri, General Secretary Abdul Raqeeb MJ, President of Cosmos Sports Centre Ismail Anjum, Managing Director of Mohtisham Complexes S. M. Arshad, former president of the Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation Imtiyaz Udyawar, among others.

Addressing players and organisers, Khader extended his best wishes to the participating teams and urged the players to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship. He said such tournaments help promote unity and brotherhood among the youth.

The cricket tournament began on November 21 and will conclude with the final match on December 21. It is being organised as part of the golden jubilee celebrations of the Cosmos Sports Centre.

Cosmos Sports Centre is one of the member clubs of the Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation and is known for its active role in promoting sports in the town. Apart from sporting activities, the centre is also involved in various social and community initiatives, including efforts to promote education among students.