New York: In a major security breach at Newark International Airport in New Jersey, on the outskirts of New York City, on Sunday night an unidentified man walked the wrong way through a security checkpoint.
The unidentified man entered the gate of Terminal C, which is an exit gate not meant for the general public. He was seen walking down an exit lane at Terminal C at about 0530 PM Eastern Time (0000 GMT) on Sunday.
Authorities are reviewing video from airport cameras, trying to identify the man.
All flights from Newark International Airport, which is about 15 miles from Manhattan and handles about 35 million passengers a year, have been grounded and a terminal has been locked down.
With a heightened terror threat after the failed plot to blow up a US airliner, US authorities have increased checking of passengers from certain countries including Pakistan
Enhanced mandatory screening will be done on travellers from countries said to sponsor terrorism like Iran, Syria and Cuba.
The move comes 10 days after a failed al-Qaeda bid to blow up a Delta flight heading to Detroit, Michigan.
US Transport officials call the measures part of a drive to put in place "long-term, sustainable security measures"..
Even a Muslim MP from the Labour Party in the UK has come out in support more security. But the Muslim MP Khalid Mahmood's stand has also kicked up a storm.
"I think most people would rather be profiled than blown up. It wouldn't be victimisation of an entire community. I think people will understand that it's only through something like profiling that there will be some kind of safety," said Khalid Mahmood.
He also added that it was necessary to profile passengers from certain racial and religious groups to weed out terror suspects.
The comment now has the Islamic community in the UK divided.
Muslim groups like the Islamic Human Rights Commission have objected to the comment saying, any such move could alienate large sections of the community. However, some British Muslims have come out in support of Mahmood.
Meanwhile, if you're flying to Britain, be ready for full body scans at the airport. UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown has given the go ahead for the new controversial security measure.
British Airport Authority, which runs six UK airports has said they will install machines worth 1 lakh pounds at airports over the next few days. Prime Minister Brown has also recommended passenger profiling which is being criticised as the breach of privacy of individuals.
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