Talking to newsmen here on Thursday, Union minister for state for aviation Chaman Lal Gupta said the matter was of top strategic importance and the force be raised within a year, completing the process between the Republic Day in 2000-01 to be more precise.

Gupta, who was on a surprise visit to Ahmedabad airport to review security arrangements, found several lapses at the airport, including the `hijack security control cell' and airport traffic control, but refused to divulge the details.

He said that any leniency on the part of the official or agency would be viewed seriously.

He had earlier made surprise visits to airports at Srinagar, Amritsar and Jammu and proposed to cover other sensitive airports such as Jodhpur and Guwahati.

Meanwhile, he said, a three-point security check system had been evolved before boarding the aircraft, at the entrance, security zone and ladder, to ensure complete and all-round safety. Commandos in plain clothes would be deployed on flights. In an emergency, the agencies have been asked to immobilise the aircraft.

Talking about the progress of the Sardar Vallabhbahi Patel International Airport at Ahmedabad, the minister hoped that it would be commissioned by 2000. He would press for augmenting budgetary support in the coming fiscal. While the lengthening the airstrip to 11,500 feet and widening the apron was nearing completion, Rs 35 crore have just been sanctioned for the new international terminal building.

He said the proposal to revive the Surat airport was also under active consideration of the ministry, as talks were on with Jet Airways and UP Airlines to operate a 50-seater aircraft between Surat-Ahmedabad-Delhi.