Colombo: A SriLankan Airlines flight that arrived in Colombo from Chennai was thoroughly searched after authorities received a warning that a suspect wanted in connection with the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir might be on board.
The flight, UL 122, landed at Colombo airport at 11.59 am local time on Saturday. The airline said that the search was carried out after getting an alert from the Chennai Air Traffic Control. The flight was inspected by local security agencies as a precautionary measure.
SriLankan Airlines confirmed that after a full security check, the aircraft was cleared for further operations. However, due to the delay caused by the security procedures, the flight’s next service – UL 308 to Singapore – was delayed, as reported by news agency PTI.
The search comes amid India’s investigation into Pahalgam attack in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed in a shooting in Baisaran meadow. Sketches of the suspects were released and they are believed to have links to Pakistan-based terror groups.
Following the attack, India took strong steps, including downgrading diplomatic ties with Pakistan, suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, and banning all imports from Pakistan with immediate effect, citing national security concerns.
