Photograph travellers

Sir, - The happenings in America have added a new dimension to hijacking. The hijacked aircraft became weapons in the hands of the terrorists.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attacks so far. If only photo-identification of all those who boarded the four aircraft was available, it would have become easier to pinpoint the culprits from among the 266 travellers aboard. The photographs can help identify the terrorist, his nationality and his links with terrorist groups all over the world. Domestic and international air passengers undergo various kinds of security checks before emplaning. What is additionally needed is the photo-identity of the passenger. This may not prevent an eventual tragedy, but it will help identify the culprit in the event of the flight ending in tragedy. This should be made mandatory at all airports and preserved at the originating airport till the flight lands safely at the destination. Passengers can be photographed with their hand baggage while boarding. The flight manifest is not sufficient as there are proven instances of passengers travelling under false identities and with fake travel documents.

K. Kasthuri Rangan,

Chennai

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